Life is so interesting

Life is indeed interesting.
Lives go & lives come. At the same moment when one life goes to heaven, another life is borned on earth. Life is not a bed of roses, but with its heartaches, pains, struggles, disappointments, sadness, .... oh, I'm so pessimistic. Of course, life is full of happy moments, joy, excitement, beautiful scenary, images, moments that make your heart leaped for joy!
There is something new to learn every single day, new person to meet everyday, new happiness to explore everyday, new problem to solve everyday,.. life is indeed interesting & wonderful.
But have we stop to smell the roses along our journey, stop our daily routine to show love for a fellow brother/sister/friend/stranger, stop all the busyness of lives and just rest & be thankful for all we have today.
I do self reflection quite often, almost everyday if I can. Thinking about lives and people, thinking about God & my life.
But nonetheless, I'm still in this world. I fail & fall in my speech, my actions, my thoughts. I really thank God I have a lifetime to improve & become like Jesus. I am just thinking of riches in lives recently. Of course, I deal with people's money and manage finances & listen to people's financial goals in lives very often. What about myself?

I do not expect myself to become very wealthy or live a luxurious lifestyle. But I always hope that I will have my dream house in future. It's my goal! A dream house with countrystyle design. SInce young, I wanted to stay very near to nature, (watch too much western movies & fairytales) Want to stay in a house with wooden table & chairs like those in "snowwhite house". Doesn't have to be private house. (But if God gives, it's a pleasant pleasant surprise!) A nice HDB flat with country style will do. =) This is my dream!
Dream do come true! Yup, I know mine will come true too.
Many people have dreams in life. Many people want to become rich in life. There is nothing wrong with this. But maybe it's time we stop & think what really makes us happy in life?
Do we really become happier with more riches in life? Or does more riches bring more responsiblities and problems in life? Are we mature enough to handle the riches in life? Alot of people sacrifice their family times, relationships to pursue their dream in life. Only to realise that relationships (all kinds) in lives are what makes life really counts.
I know some people who become really wealthy, stay in big houses, own big cars, but they are not necessary happy.
Saying all these, I'm not suggesting that riches are evil. I'm just saying that being financially independance should be our goal. To protect our wealth by transferring risk to others. Insurance is all about transferring risks. I don't want to bear the risk of paying my huge hospital bills that drain away all my savings if I'm sick one day. I don't want my family to live in financial hell when I go to heaven. I don't want to depend on others for my retirement. I want to grow old gracefully and retire happily.
Secondly, to create more wealth by investment. Investment is the only way to fulfil our financial goals in life. Why? because of inflation. Inflation erode our money value away before we can do anything.
Most importantly, to enjoy our lives every moment, whether its joyful or painful. Not only when we are rich because riches not necessarily bring happiness.

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Back to talking about life,
Many times, when we are going through pain in our lives, we thought we can't make it anymore, we are desvastated to the point of death, we wanted to hide in a faraway country or leave all people or run away from all our problems, we felt that nobody understands our pain, nobody cares, we are all alone, no one can help us, we are the most miserable persons on earth, or there is no solutions at all .... but isn't it interesting to look back after we have emerged from all these and came up stronger person. And during the process, we find unexpected love from people, love from a stranger, love from a closed friend, love from your family, love from above. If there are no struggles in life, we wouldn;t know the extent of success, if there are no pain, we wouldn't know what is true joy and happiness. If you are facing problems or pain now in your lives, always remember that no problems last a lifetime, no pain stays forever, let time heals, give yourself time to learn and become stronger, everything become more beautiful if you do these. And joy & happiness will always come back to you.
As I look at my life now, I thank God that I have mature during the process of living. Because of problems in life, I can become stronger and more courageous. Yup, life is indeed wonderful & beautiful!

Reflection- SHIRLEY

Half a year has passed. Was looking through my goals for this year.
Saw a "poem" I wrote for myself at the end of year 2006 to prepare myself for this year. Found it quite interesting as it's inspired by God.

S H I R L E Y

I will be Strong in the face of storms.
Having all that I have from God (gifts & talents) to serve His people. In His name & glory, I will do His work.
Relying on His strength, I will Soar.
Loving, kindness & faithfulness shall be me.
Entrusting all that I have in His hands,
Yeaning towards Him each day.

Lord, help me remember that I have to surrender my all to you.
Every burdens and disappointments I lay them down before you Oh Lord.

Most immediate prayer requests:

1. Help me pass my Associate Financial Planner exam tomorrow.
2. Help me wake up at 7am everyday.

Thank you Jesus! You are my all in all! =)

Love you Jesus! There is none like you!