Having faith is not brain washing your mind with positive thinking.

It is having a solemn stillness within your soul in times of storm.

Simplicity is resourceful. 

When you simplify your life, 

you'll find more room, time, energy, 
and interest 

to do more things.

I am a gift to my world. 

The best thing that I can do is to become a better me. 

The best thing that I can give is the best of me.

Our problem is what we adopt as a problem.

LET GO! 

For when you let go, it will really go away.

THE LITTLE GIRL IN THE DRAWER

The little girl in the drawer

safe in the hiding place

in a world without care

holding tight a piece of self.

We laugh a good laugh,

cry a good cry,

life goes on,

and we're just got to move on.

I am what I am today because of His grace,

and what I will be tomorrow is within His favor.

God can use our talent to take us higher, 

but we need a bigger heart,

So there will be enough room for both success and humility.

As life is a journey, sometimes what matter the most is with whom we are walking through it.

We are God's masterpiece. Handmade by his loving hands. Redeemed and healed by His blood. Restored by His mercy. That we may dance joyfully in His grace.

You've always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all,...

You've always taken me seriously, God, 

(Psalm 61:3-5, The Message)

THE BEATITUDES (Great happiness; blessedness)

“Why do I have to be good?”

That questions ever posed by Nathan; my son. At that time I just answered lightly, "it's for your own good."

We all may have heard the definition of whether it is character and why good character is very important to build on in our lives.

At least there are four reasons that underlie all the action we take:

         1. fear
         2. reward
         3. penalty
         4. for truth.


Character is doing what should be done, not because of fear,  not for a reward, or to avoid punishment. Character is the decision to always do the right thing simply because it is the truth.

Someone with good character does not need awards or recognition from others for all the truth that he/she did.  Conversely, he also does not prevent wrongdoing because of fear or simply because to avoid the consequences.

Why is Character Important

In the book "A Box of Chocolates" I wrote about Samson. My point in that writing is that the characters are necessary to deliver our children to succeed. In addition, the characters also will be strong pillars that will sustain their success, so that they achieve the success that will last throughout their lives.

However, when I was preparing this article, I find another reason why the character is very important to be established in our lives.

Consider the Word of God quoted below:

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

God blesses those who are Merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

 (Matthew 5:5-9, New Living Translation)

This is the famous preaching of Jesus Christ. In the Indonesian translation Bible, this passage titled "Sermon on the Mount".

Lord Jesus said that God blesses those who are meek, hunger and thirst for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers.

All these criteria show that God’s Kingdom character should be owned by us all; the believers.

When we tried to build these characters in children's lives, not only we are preparing them for success that will last throughout their lives, but we also are building a life that brings God's blessing.

As parents, we certainly wish that our children have a life blessed by God, is not it?

In the English translation of the Bible, Matthew 5:1-12 titled "The Beatitudes" which means "great happiness, blessedness". So, if I may conclude, that a person who has the characters mentioned in this passage will have a life filled with the blessings of God and endowed with an abundance of happiness.

I want my children to have such a life. I'm sure so are you. So, let's start building those God’s Kingdom characters in their lives. And let God's help that will empower us all.

Indonesian snacks found in Hotel Tugu, Malang

A danger sign found in Ho Chi Min city

Launching "A Box of Chocolates for Two"

A Box of Chocolates For Two

I love chocolates (especially the dark ones). Every now and then, I will take one to indulge myself, and it helps to recharge my energy to save the day.

I titled this book "A Box of Chocolates For Two" with the hope that it will 'recharge' your soul as a parent. In this 'box of chocolates' you will find sections specifically addressed for fathers and mothers, according to the strengths and roles of each.

It is an honor to present this book to you and I hope you will enjoy reading it. May this book be the sweet little refreshment that will indulge your spirit and soul.

(The book is available for Pre-Order at Benih.com starting 26 January 2010, and will be released on 22 February* 2010)

Do your best, prepare for the worst - then trust GOD to bring victory. (Proverbs 21:31, The Message Bible)

No dream is too big. The question is how big you are for that dream. You might have (almost) everything, but most important is you have what it takes.

God is good. Thus, HE gives us a good life. So, dance it!