Monday, November 24

Challenge of a change


In these times of financial difficulty, I am often confused about financial beliefs that I have cultivated over years. They say ‘Habits die hard’. And, I see that I make the same mistakes over and over again. Whenever each time there is a financial down turn, I can say that I will learn from these and go forward. But do I do that?

One of the main reasons that I do not go into new territories in financial planning is the fact that my age often prevent me from accepting new ideas and manners. My age prevent me from making new investment decisions...investments that may be exotic and appealing. I have heard repeatedly people tell me a big no to investments in shares and bonds. They tell me that they are ‘too old’ to learn new tricks in the markets.

Our life is an ongoing process. As we grow-up there is always a dynamics that pulls us into new areas of living. We may change many things in life: our job, or house, our neighbourhood, our church and our beliefs. Some even have the painful experiences of separating from loved once and family members. Many end up in divorce and remarriage. These are all trying times . These are times when our mind has to be agile and open.

It makes a big difference to remain flexible and open than to remain closed and fossilised. To open up ourselves to new challenges is indeed what life demands from all of us.

For me, change is very exciting. I purposefully take a change in many small things in life: I change my computer mouse from right hand operation to left hand operation; sometimes I try to shave and brush my teeth using only my left hand, I locate my furniture in new configuration , I read new books that speaks of different beliefs and findings....and this list goes on.

It was a decision to change my Bible that has had the greatest impact in my life. I have seen many people pulling on with a Bible that has a redundant language. On an eventful evening, I walked into a hospital bookshop to purchase an NIV Study Bible. I will never forget that day..... that day when a new Bible came into my life!! What an impact the Word had for me. Every word in that Bible was read anew. I was exited and kept on reading the whole night. I rambled into Jeremiah 29 to discover my life’s key words : “ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD.

God of surprise is a God who brings about change. And, as He changes the world order and everything with it, I remain ready to accept what HE has for me.

“Speak Lord...for your servant is listening”

Saturday, November 15

Grace Before Reading a Book


Eternal Father, as I open the pages of this book I have chosen to read, I would express my gratitude for all the noble thoughts which the mind of man has given to the world.
I am grateful for the opportunity afforded to me by good books to become companions for great minds and hearts. May we keep our minds always open and receptive to truth and beauty, knowing that these finally are manifested in our character.
May I treat this book as I respect and admire a friend. May I always choose for my reading moments, books which will elevate my heart, ennoble my mind, and lift my spirit.
For all the good things which come my way, I am grateful and most of all, dear Father, may I be worthy of them... Amen

Followers