have you ever thought why we have so many choices to make in our lives, especially in our daily chores? Most of us hate it when it comes to ordering a meal out of that 20+ different choices plus combinations, hoping that perhaps someone or something should automatically make the best choice for us (ahem, that's what we hope for the future, no?).

while reading the passage for the odb of today, it is the rather known verse of Psalm 8:

"what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor."

While listening to the Focus on the Family podcast, i heard this statement (my paraphrased version): "There are things worth waiting - like why we all wait for the presents under the christmas tree. There would be an intensified experience if we wait, and it makes the things special."

Angry with a particular brother/sister in Christ? Well, don't let anger stay around for a long time cause "he" will not want to leave so easily after getting comfortable in your little home. Instead, invite "forgiveness" and "grace" to be your company. They will light up your little home.

"Forgive is giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me." - Dr. Archibald

The year started well, but at the same time we all know this year will not be easy. Jobs being cut, working hours reduced and everyone rather just pick up anything than not having a means to earn the money needed to move on. We are thankful that at least many people we know are not directly affected. But we should not just naiively assume things will not change at our end. It is definitely not because God fell asleep and ignored us if the financial crisis suddenly affects us too.

今天的"灵命日粮"里提起关于我们对神旨意的反应：

“但是我们某些人论到上帝的心意时，总是嗟叹不已：『好吧……我想这是上帝的心意。』好像祂的心意，是将降于我们最悲惨的灾祸……我们为属灵的事抱怨，悲情地谈论着『为上帝的心意受苦』“

这让我想起我们大家常有的反应和回答。当我们对事情发展不了解和无可奈何时，最容易冒出来的话可能就像上面的反应。如果我们把这些事情当着是神的旨意来看的话，似乎好像比较容易接受。原因很简单－我们不能跟神讨价还价，因这是“不顺服”。就算心里不服，我们还是会“乖乖”地“接受”。实际大家心里可能还是会抱怨神不了解我们的困境及祂逼我们“上梁山”。

如果我们更深一步地思考，神的旨意是否常是困难和苦的呢？神是否动不动就要试试我们的信心，好让我们不会懈怠懒惰和会积极为主工作？享受生活将会被看为奢侈，因为我们会被引诱远离祂？

在约翰福音里有这一段对话：

“耶 稣 说 ： 你 们 不 知 道 所 求 的 是 甚 麽 ， 我 所 喝 的 杯 ， 你 们 能 喝 麽 ？ 我 所 受 的 洗 ， 你 们 能 受 麽 ？ 他 们 说 ： 我 们 能 。”

我不知道雅各和约翰在说这话时心里是否有想想这答复的责任和后果。“我们能”说的容易，说的快，但耶稣深知道人的极限在哪儿。然而祂还是给了他们答复。

Well, there are many reasons why the bible was written. I came across one while doing my quiet time today. It was written in Romans 15:4

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Have you been having sleepless night? Read this during my quiet time today... perhaps it can be a hint to you.

Read this wonderful passage for my quiet time. May it be a blessing to you too in your moment of doubts.

Psalm 103

Of David.

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.