Why do I have more than I need?

Been listening to a series of sermons with Andy Stanley on managing your finances in a God-directed way. Without being LOST.

Definition of LOST: Not sure of where you are and how to get to where you want to be.

Now, I've always thought I've managed my finances well. I'm careful. I save for days where I have no income. I record my transactions. I try to balance my account each month. But it got to the point where I was scrimping, and giving was quite unthinkable[unless it was building fund and tithes. God's grace was still upon my heart]

Wise people like my mom and my friends have told me to let go of the grip I have on money developed through the years of need in uni.

It's not easy. The past 3 years have been really tough. It might be easy for some people to work and try to support yourself while maintaining good grades in uni, but it was super tough for me to balance work, uni and ministry. Financial stress was threatening me all the time in my heart. But God ha always been faithful. And now, I don't have that much. But I have enough. And Also ENOUGH to bless other people, which is a new experience and very freeing.

3rd sermon focus: Why does God make us rich and have more than we need? Luke 12:13

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  We don't have to feel guilty for having more. BUT...Jesus defines greed for us. It is very very difficult to see greed in yourself, unlike other types of sins and failings. Thers is a purpose for having more.


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  A man's life does not equal what I own [this truth has to sink into our hearts]


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  A lot of the time, we think that the abundance we have, we should keep and store for the future. but God says...."You FOOL"


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  FOOL. Why? Someone will get what you owned because you DIED. Not because you were generous. You lost eternal riches.


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  The farmer did not know what the pupose of his riches for. He died. He did not deposit anything into his heavenly account.


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  To be rich towards God is to give what you have extra to people in need and the furtherance of the gospel.

THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE RICHNESS. It's what we do with the riches.

WHEN I AM BLESSED WITH MORE THAN I NEED, IT IS TO BLESS SOMEONE IN NEED.

It's not about me.

Here comes the bride

Jos, Vania and I tried on the wedding finery. For me, thankfully, it pretty much fit. I think I look pretty chubby in it tho. Not half as glam as the women in the pictures posted up here...

It's time to get the exercise and toning happening after this wedding is over. Sigh. Reality bites. I am now the weight I was in Adelaide. Need to lose 4 kilos...me thinks.But I'm also quite comfortable in my skin atm. So, getting some exercise happening will be sufficient. Shan't diet. :)

It's weird. 4 and half years ago, Jos and Fab got together. I had only known them for a few months. This couple has blessed my life richly. It's greta to see them finally take this step. Especially Jos, who has been this really consistent friend of mine.

Makes me think about the inevitable questions:

"When's my turn?What will it be like?Who will it be?"

^_^

Only God knows.

Found this among my old papers

I forgot all about this old poem a friend and I wrote almost 4 years ago. Yea...that long. It was in 2005.

At that time, Daniel 1 caregroup was multiplying and Daniel 5 would be born. We had 2 guy groups, D-DOG and D-vine; and 2 girl groups, D-light and Shaphael. I was part of Shaphael. D-DOG and Shaphael would form Daniel 5. So we had a farewell night where each side did nice thing for each other and expressed our appreciation.

I was racking my head about some cool thing to do. My friend and I decided to right this "high - falutin' "poem. I don't know if half the people got it. But, we tried!
Hehe....enjoy.[Btw, the Korean Master, Jennifer and Hannah were CGF's and ACGL at that time. Hence the special mention]

Although we part on this fateful night

You'll always be my heart's Delight

And the food you made for us to dine

Will be remembered as deliciously divine

In your lives, our beloved D-Vine

May the love of God always shine

Fairest maidens, our precious D-light

Let your inner beauty shine bright

Let the gifts of the Korean Master be an expanding inheritance

Let the sweetness and joy of jennifer be continually infectious

Let the strength of Hannah be sustaining and enduring

The time has come to say goodbye

From this night forth we'll be apart

Be faithful, our friends, to carry the light

You'll always be in our hearts