Francis Kong - Inspiring Excellence 2012

2012
FRANCISKONG.COM
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence
JANUARY 2012
FRANCISKONG.COM
A compilation of post from the personal blog of
F r a n c i s J. K o n g
for the month of January, 2012.
This eBook and its content is copyright of Francis J. Kong - Francis J. Kong, 2012. All rights reserved. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than the following: you may print or download to a local hard disk extracts for your personal and non-commercial use only you may copy the content to individual third parties for their personal use, but only if you acknowledge the website as the source of the material You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content. Nor may you transmit it or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system.
This eBook was created and compiled by One Awesome Social Media Company Inc. www.oneawesomecompany.com FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence 4
"Money runs after a person who is excellent. And then a loser keeps on running after money and he never catches up." Don't ever change just to impress and please someone. Change because it makes you a better person and it leads you to a better future.
A farmer had one old horse that he used for tilling his fields. One day the horse escaped into the hills and when all the farmer's neighbors heard about it, they sympathized with the old man over his bad luck. "Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows? Only God knows. said the farmer. A week later, the horse returned with a herd of wild horses from the hills and this time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. "Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows? Only God knows" said the farmer. Then, when the farmer's son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off its back and broke his leg. Everyone agreed that this was very bad luck. Not the farmer, who replied, "Bad Luck? Good luck? Who knows? Only God knows. Some weeks later, the army marched into the village and forced every able-bodied young man to go fight in a bloody war. When they saw that the farmer's son had a broken leg, they let him stay. Everyone was very happy at the farmer's good luck. "Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows? Only God knows." This ancient Chinese story tells us a lot about whats going on in our world. If theres one thing that really amazes me it is the
When a storm comes at sea, a ship turns to face the tempest. If the vessel allows the storm to hit its side, it will capsize. If it turns its back to the storm, the storm will drive it wherever the wind blows. Only in facing the storm is the ship safe. Says: Robert C. Shannon. As we face them we grow in character and faith and perseverance. Do not run away from trouble. Welcome adversities. This is discipline!
A friend gave me a beautiful text this morning: In today's info age, you cannot UPLOAD love, DOWNLOAD time, GOOGLE all the answers in life --- so LOG OUT of worldly deeds, LOG ON to GOD. You will surely LIKE the life! FACEBOOK is ok, but spend more time with FAITHBOOK the BIBLE. Wise words indeed.
fact that just when the knowledge age is has made men more knowledgeable, there is likewise an upsurge of interest into the occult (Vampire movies), astrology and mysticism. Visit your friendly neighborhood book stores and you will discover that the shelves assigned to carry such books have expanded tremendously. Man will always hunger and thirst for that mysterious dimension which is the spiritual realm and all means will be exhausted in order to have a glimpse into the future and the unknown.
Something doesn't seem to connect here. If my life is governed by luck whether good or bad, then where would I place God? My Bible says that God is in full control and so nothing ever happens without His knowledge and control. And so if I believe in this, then where will I put luck? It doesnt take a lot of intelligence to figure out the fact that being a Christian and believing in luck is a contradiction in terms.
But the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4 that he had learned to be content, even happy, in all circumstances. He was happy when things were bad (he was in jail at the time), and he was happy when things were going good as well. That's the great thing about being part of God's family. We really don't have to worry in our circumstances, because no matter what, we have hope in Christ. "We know that in everything, God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). Believe me this is such a liberating feeling. To know that my life and my future is in Gods hands. So I can travel without a charm in my wallet and I can pass under the ladder and enjoy seeing a black cat cross my path. Every single fortune teller died and remained dead. Jesus Christ rose up from the dead and thats why Im putting my trust in Him! It's a spiritual discipline we all have to exercise.
I just make it simple. I do my best and God does the rest and Im not going to let any fortune teller tell me how to live my life and neither am I going to allow any moronic horoscope to dictate what my day will be. Sometimes it seems like things are going well, and at other times, things seem to be going badly. And we let those things dictate our feelings and our outlook on life. When things are going well, we're happy and we think God is with us. If they are going badly, we get discouraged and think that God must have abandoned us. We end up being tossed around by our circumstances. And if faith in God is sadly wanting, then the tendency is to believe in luck.
There is none so busy as those who do nothing. No matter how busy people are, they always stop & talk about how busy they are. :) People who talk too much about how busy they are, theyre not. Busy people dont even have the time to talk much because they work much.
Work on but take a break every 90 minutes. This way you can rest, recharge and still maintain productivity. Takes a lot of discipline to do this.
policeman for six years, in 1983 Pitts realized a lifelong ambition by going to work for the FBI. In 1987 he was assigned to the New York office, and there his troubles began. He did not see how he could afford to live in the Big Apple on his $25,000 a year salary.
Thomas writes, "Morale in the office was poor, and petty cheating on expense accounts was rampant. Burdened with debt from student loans, Pitts had to ask his father for a loan. He felt humiliated. Pitts later told a psychiatrist that he was 'overwhelmed' by a sense of rage at the FBI." One morning he came up with the idea of spying for the KGB. That way he could kill two birds with one stone: he could solve his money problems and get back at his bosses. He later told a psychiatrist, "I was shoved by the bureaucracy, and I shoved back.
We all desire relationships in which we are accepted, valued, and wanted. We desperately long for this esteem from our peers, but seldom experience the real thing. This is why teens succumb to peer pressure. This is why people enter into disastrous relationships wanting to be needed.
Inspire your people by appreciation and recognition. This goes a long way. Make their work life meaningful.
What does it take to turn a person into a Judas? What motivates someone to betray deep-seated loyalties? Unresolved anger and resentment, for one thing. Consider the story of Earl Pitts, FBI agent turned Soviet spy. According to Evan Thomas in Newsweek, Pitts was raised on a farm in Missouri and was recognized as a Future Farmer of America. His parents said they disciplined him firmly but fairly. He was a captain in the army who regarded himself as a patriot. Even today he is described by his wife as a "good man." So what happened? After getting his law degree and serving as a military
Over the next seven years Pitts worked as a Soviet spy and for his services received $224,000. When he was finally caught and convicted, the judge sentenced him to twenty-seven years in prison. At his sentencing the judge asked him point-blank why he had become a traitor. Earl Pitts replied, "I gave in to an unreasonable anger. " Never allow anger to fester. Deal with anger as God prescribes.
Here is another story: Shirley Belleranti shows the negative impact of anger on our most important relationships: I remember one summer day when my ten-year-old son and a friend were getting a pitcher 7
of lemonade from the refrigerator. I'd spent hours that morning scrubbing, waxing, and polishing the kitchen floor, so I warned the boys not to spill anything. They tried so hard to be careful that they innocently bumped a tray of eggs on the door shelf. Of course, it fell, splattering eggs all over my clean floor.
The boys' eyes widened with alarm as I exploded angrily. "Get out of here now!" I shouted, while they headed for the door. By the time I'd finished cleaning up the mess, I had calmed down. To make amends, I set a tray of cookies on the table, along with the pitcher of lemonade and some glasses. But when I called the boys, there was no answerthey'd gone somewhere else to play, somewhere where my angry voice wouldn't reach them. Anger separates us from those we want to be near. Anger shatters intimacy. It sure does.
One father complains: My children think that I am an ATM Machine. Another dad said: Never date a woman whose father calls her "Princess". True justice is when our kids have their own kids. Every word and deed of a parent is a fiber woven into the character of a child which ultimately determines how that child fits into the fabric of society. This is why I love to do parenting talks. It's important for our country.
Do not let the sun go down on your anger thats what the Bible has to say because the Author know the stuff we are made of. God has given us a mind to use and we need to use that mind to educate our moods.
I sure appreciate the fact that God does not blow His top the way I do. It takes a lot of discipline to be able to deal with anger emotions but we simply have to deal with it correctly. Just remember this. Anger can sure be an expensive luxury. And we simply cant afford it.
It's a parenting talk this morning and then I get to speak to the science teachers this afternoon. I don't charge fees when it comes to parents, students and teachers. This is why I love my life. Happiness comes through doors you didn't even know you left open.
Think about this. No matter how successful a man is in business, he is seldom as smart as his mother thinks, or as dumb as his mother in law says he is. Somebody asks this question: What is the difference between outlaws and in-laws? And here is the answer: Outlaws are wanted. We lovingly call her Auntie Carmen. If you want to talk 8
about being a people person then Auntie Carmen surely qualifies as one of them. We met in church a couple of years ago and have become friends. She sent me this beautiful story that is credited to anonymity.
Once upon a time in China , a girl named Li-Li got married & went to live with her husband and mother-in-law. In a very short time, Li-Li found that she couldn't get along with her mother-in-law at all. Their personalities were very different, and Li-Li was angered by many of her mother-in-law' s habits. In addition, she criticized Li-Li constantly. Days and weeks passed. Li-Li and her mother-in-law never stopped arguing and fighting. But what made the situation worse was that according to Chinese tradition, Li-Li had to bow to her mother-in-law and obey her every wish. All the anger and unhappiness in the house was causing Li-Li's poor husband great distress. Li-Li could not stand her mother-in-law any longer so she decided to do something about it. Li-Li went to see Mr. Huang who sold herbs. She told him about the situation and asked if he would give her some poison so that she could solve her problem once and for all. The wise Mr. Huang thought for awhile, and finally said, "Li-Li, I will help you solve your problem, but you must listen to me and obey what I tell you." Li-Li said, "Yes, Mr. Huang, I will do whatever you tell me to. Mr. Huang gave Li-Li a package of herbs. He said, "Li-Li, you cannot use a quick-acting poison kill your mother-in-law,
because that would cause people to become suspicious. Therefore, I have given you a number of herbs that will slowly build up poison in her body. Every other day prepare some delicious meal and put a little of these herbs in her serving. Now, in order to make sure that nobody suspect you the day she dies, you must be very careful to act very friendly towards her. "Don't argue with her, obey her every wish, and treat her like a queen." Li-Li was so happy. She thanked Mr. Huang and hurried home to start her murder plot against her mother-inlaw.
Weeks and months went by and every other day, Li-Li served the specially treated food to her mother-in-law. She remembered what Mr. Huang said about avoiding suspicion so she controlled her temper, obeyed her mother-in-law, and treated her like her own mother. After six months, the whole household had changed. Li-Li had learned to control her temper and she hadn't had an argument with her mother-in-law in six months. The mother-in-law now seemed a lot kinder and easier to get along. Her attitude toward Li-Li has changed, and she began to love Li-Li like her own daughter. She kept telling friends and relatives that Li-Li was the best daughter-inlaw one could ever find. Li-Li's husband was very happy to see what was happening. So now Li-Li has a problem. The situation has changed but what about the poison inside her mother-in-law that would eventually kill her. Li-Li rushed to see Mr. Huang and asked for his help. She said, "Mr. Huang, please help me to keep off the poison from killing 9
my mother-in-law. She's changed into such a nice woman, and I love her like my own mother. I do not want her to die because of the poison I gave her."
Mr. Huang smiled and nodded his head. "Li-Li, there's nothing to worry about. I never gave you any poison. The herbs I gave you were vitamins to improve her health. The only poison was in your mind and your attitude toward her, but that has been all washed away by the love which you gave to her." Now I want you to think about this. You will be amazed at how people would change when the change starts with you. And couldnt it be possible that God is using other people to work on you? Never forget. Behind every successful man stands --- a surprised mother-in-law.
The late business philosopher Jim Rohn says: Affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion. Every single successful professional or business person I have met is a disciplined person. There can't be any exception to this rule.
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You can hear him in his daily Radio Program Business Matters which was given a Year 2007 special citation by the Catholic Mass Media Awards.
You can read him through his Saturday and Sunday column of the Business Page of the Philippine Star. You can see him as he regularly guests every Monday and Thursday morning at the popular morning show Umagang Kay Ganda. He has been featured in many of the major business conventions and conferences both here and abroad. Francis is co-recipient of the Anvil Award for Excellence for the staging of the Dr. John Maxwell Leadership Seminar Series. Recipient of the Year 2006 Gold Quill Philippines Award of merit for Public Speech category sponsored by The International Association of Business Communicators. Recipient of 2008 Dr. Jose Rizal Award for Excellence in the field of Journalism. Francis has been trained and licensed by Maximum Impact of Atlanta Georgia to do the Maxwell leadership programs. He is also Trained and licensed by The Ziglar Corporation in London to do the Ziglar Sales and Presentation programs.
Francis J. Kong is: President of Success Options Publishing Company President of FunWorks Inc. a member of the Canadian based Mad Science International Group, the worlds number one (1) Science educational-entertainment program provider for kids. Founding member and Director of Inspire Leadership Consultancy
Francis has extensive work experiences in manufacturing and retail as he help founded a popular clothing company and ran a retail chain for many years.
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He is an author of 14 books: His book One Day at a Time has been given a most favorable review by Channel NewsAsia of Singapore. His book The Early Bird Catches the Worm: is now translated into the Korean language. Francis is married to the former Lilia Nolasco and has three children: Bryan 30, Hannah 26 and Rachel 21. For more inspiring words from Francis J. Kong, please visit his personal blog at http://www.franciskong.com.
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FEBRUARY 2012
FRANCISKONG.COM
for the month of February, 2012.
"Noel, what sound does a mouse make?" Noel paused, and said, "Uhh ... it goes ... 'clickclick!'" This is the age of technology.
You like someone "BECAUSE" they have pretty eyes, nice smile, or an elegant nose. You love the person "EVEN THOUGH" they are not rich, a good cook, or cant put the toilet seat down. Liking someone means that you are fond of their good traits and loving someone is that you accept that other person fully even though they are not always perfect. Liking and loving are different. Know the difference. It's easy to like but it takes a lot of heart and discipline to love.
There was a time when mouse used to be a rodent and windows were fixtures inside your home. Today you have mouse, wireless mouse, mouse that operates with radio frequency, track pads is replacing the mice. Disruptive technology is here to stay. There was a time when it took a long time before a new product is accepted in the market place. Today the market eagerly awaits the launching of the next big thing in technology. I was giving a seminar then and people began to smile, some were giggling and a lot more of them began laughing. I asked, Whats going on? One brave soul responded and said, Francis, you said we need to read books and we need to listen to tapes. But nobody listens to tapes anymore. Oh boy, I told myself, caught in a time warp. How could I have missed that?
After giving a talk, one lady approached me and said, Francis I love your talk. Have you recorded it in a cassette? Cassette? I half smiled but thats exactly what happened to me. The only difference is that I said, Tape. This makes me think. What has happened to the products of the past? The hits? The wonders? The breakthrough technology that made the world marveled? Products like: 1. The video recorder? (Circa 1983) The one with the flashing 12:00? Never figured out what that function was for anyway. 15
Good people change others. Better people change the system but the best people change themselves. And when God changes the person the person changes himself/herself, changes the system and then they inspire others to change as well. Faith and discipline - package deal to change.
A teacher arranged her young students into a circle. She then went around the circle and asked each one a question. "Robert, what sound does a cow make?" Robert replied, "It goes 'moo.'" "Albert, what sound does a cat make?" Albert said, "It goes 'meow.'" "Oscar, what sound does a lamb make?" Oscar said, "It goes 'baaa.'"
2. Brick (circa 1990) I remember my first cell phone was a phone named ANTEL. Compare the size of that today to the newer ones my first cell phone was as small as my Coleman Water Jug. You charge the battery for 8 hours and you get to use it for only 2. 3. Cloning (same time) The biggest worry at that time was not virus but cloning in an Analog platform not digital. 4. Lets go back way back. Remember phones had party-lines and you fight them all the time? 5. What about Caller ID (circa 1995) Staring at a number that came in and you shock the callers by knowing it was them.
And for those who first saw the light in a hospital after 1990, a quick fad then was called the DAT. DAT stands for Digital Audio Tape. Sony Corporation introduced this in the mid1980s. This replaced the old cassettes that really lasted many years. And the CDs came into the picture and is now losing ground to Ipods and MP3 Players. A couple of years back I remember entering the last 2 days of Tower Records existence in America and everything in there was sold for just $2 and less. Today online music purchasing gains momentum everyday. My son plays the drums for a popular band. He says that their first hit became a hit without a CD. It was placed online and people here and even in places as far as Belgium and Germany listened to it.
And what about future products?

I read about scientists and researchers developing the next generation paper battery. A supercharged battery that can be bent, rolled, twisted and cut to size like a piece of paper. It looks like the next great thing; a breakthrough technology which becomes todays hit would in a short span of time quickly turn into tomorrows museum piece. May I make a suggestion? Dont be too much of a hurry in having to HAVE that new toy. You spend a great deal for it and then a few months later that new thing will be left with just the thing when the novelty of newness is gone. Just because you are using an old cell phone does not mean youre second class and old. It may mean you are frugal and practical thats all. Somebody says: The world is getting complicated. Somebody just gave me a battery operated paperweight. And youre probably asking, Paperweight? Whats that? Dont let technology complicate your life. Live it simply but live it to the full. With or even without the latest technology.
Products of the past. I wonder why as I think about them the same products bring back memories of events tied to the same. FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence
Complete the sentence. If at first you dont succeed --- Do not try again. Find out what went wrong. Correct the error and then try again. It's crazy to continue doing the same thing over expecting a different result. Working harder on the same mistake is not a virtue. Humble yourself and find out where 16
you went wrong. Then correct it and try again. This takes a lot of discipline to do.
From an anonymous source comes this beautiful material: My face in the mirror isn't wrinkled or drawn. My house isn't dirty the cobwebs are gone. My garden looks lovely and so does my lawn. I think I might never put my glasses back on. One of the greatest impediments to progress is denial. Be truthful at all times and be a disciplined person.
And now more than ever, its important that we commit to a lifelong quest for knowledge. Things are changing so rapidly that unless we stay up on the learning curve, we will surely fall behind. Knowledge will not acquire you: you must acquire it. Takes discipline to do this.
After she woke up, a woman told her husband, "I just dreamed that you gave me a pearl necklace for Valentine's day. What do you think it means? "You'll know tonight." he said. That evening, the man came home with a small package and gave it to his wife. Delighted, she opened it - to find a book entitled "The Meaning of Dreams." Don't be a cheapskate. Show love and give love every day.
A FRENCH PROVERB SAYS: None so busy as those who do nothing. But what about being too busy all the time? The truth is if you are too busy to relax, then you are too busy. Technology is a big culprit behind the reason why we become so busy. Just think about this: Do you remember the predictions about the paperless office and the leisure society? Between 1999 and 2002 global use of paper increased by 22% and we now seem to have less spare time than ever. We are also sleeping less than we used to, down from 9 hours per day in 1900 to 6.9 hours today. Indeed, the benefits of the computer age can be seen everywhere except in the productivity statistics, because we are inventing new ways of making ourselves busy.
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Still, being too busy seems to be a badge of accomplishment and a picture of importance. When people invite me to give a talk I pull out my Iphone, check over my calendar and see my white spaces occupied with activities. People are impressed. They see how busy I am.
In fact there is a running rumor going around the corporate world that it takes them one year in advance to be able to get a booking from me. This is of course grossly exaggerated but it does take quite a few months lead time to have me schedule a date for a speaking or a training engagement. And then I go home, exhausted and wondered how I could have packed so many activities in so short a time. But this is not an exclusive condition for me. The obsession with "busyness" can be seen in the way the work ethic has invaded childhood. Children must be kept busy at all limes. As a result, they are becoming overscheduled and we are creating a cohort that cannot think for itself, a generation of passive, risk-averse citizens and comfortably numb consumers with almost no imagination or self-reliance. Children today are expected to do so many hours of backbreaking homework. And then rush off somewhere to do music lessons. And parents today feel that if they do not push their kids hard enough they may not succeed. Watch what happens when summer season comes. Parents get paranoid and they feel nervous seeing their children idle. And so they enroll them in summer courses, sports programs, summer programs just to keep them busy.
Is busyness now an important element to life and living? Could we not get used to moments of quietness so we can pull our acts together? As I ask these questions I am actually asking myself.
Consider the following new terms: TMI or Too much Information better known as information overload has a distant cousin, too much choice (TMC). In a nutshell, humankind is producing an excess of stuff. The amount of new information we produce today is estimated to be around 2 billion bytes annually. That's (very roughly) 2 billion bytes or about 20 billion copies of a typical thick book. The average large corporation similarly experiences a doubling of the amount of information it produces annually. Information is no longer power; power lies in the ability to attain and maintain attention. I am not an alarmist but what I want people to know is that the pace of life will continue to increase and we need to learn how to be quiet. This is why my first hour of the day is spent on quiet time. Prayer and meditation of Scripture to bring sanity to my being. Busyness may not be a good thing when it is done in excess. Learn to be quiet. Learn to spend time in solitude as I certainly will this coming holiday season. So dont just do something, stand there or better still, sit down and be quiet.
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to go through this.
Here is an old and sobering story: When a victorious Roman general arrived back in Rome, he was given a hero's welcome and a triumphant parade of victory. But a philosopher was hired to ride beside him in the victory parade. As the victor acknowledged the cheers of the crowd, the philosopher kept whispering in his ear: "You are mortal. You are mortal." Focus on God the Source of all good things.
Our country has gone through many kinds of crisis. Crisis that are both man made and considered acts of God. Which in my opinion is a very bad term. Why is it that we call a sad natural catastrophe an act of god and then when times are good and victorious we credit it to ourselves? Maybe this is something we should think about. Anyways --- We have a very strange way of getting through the different crises that have came our way. A few days after typhoon Ondoy, I joined a relief operations group and we rode a small Bangka and visited the far places of the flooded areas in order to distribute relief goods. Guess what I saw? Water that has gone beyond house roofs with people practically staying on top of their roofs yet you still see a smile on their faces. They say that as a people we are resilient and I think we are. But being resilient alone does not make us stronger. We need to evaluate the experience, learn from it and be determined to prevent the same problem from occurring in the future. This is why this material I got from the Internet really made me laugh. It is entitled: 21 Thoughts to Get You Through Almost Any Crisis.
Somebody says: My wife suggested a book for me to read to enhance our relationship. It's titled: 'Women are from Venus, Men are Wrong'. It doesn't have to be this way. Takes a lot of discipline to have a very successful marriage. I am so excited to speak on marriage this afternoon at St. Scholastica Westgrove. Have had years of this in actual experience and is included in my bio-data. :)
Some people are what I call The Plan B people. While I value the importance of being prudent and prepared, some people would always go to option 2 when they have not exhausted their efforts into their original plan. Statesman and businessman George Shultz says: 'The minute you start talking about what you are going to do if you lose, YOU have lost.'' Dont quit too soon. Takes a lot of discipline
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Now here is a warning. Do not take this material seriously. This is part sarcasm part plain humor. Following this material will be totally disastrous so take this as something humorous and again, do not take it seriously. Here is the material. 21 Thoughts to Get You Through Almost any Crisis: 1. Indecision is the key to flexibility. 2. There is absolutely no substitute for a genuine lack of preparation. 3. Happiness is merely the remission of pain. 4. Nostalgia isn't what it used to be. 5. The facts, although interesting, are irrelevant. 6. The careful application of terror is also a form of communication. 7. Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world. 8. Things are more like they are today then they have ever been before. 9. Anything worth fighting for is worth fighting dirty for. Thats bad. 10. Everything should be made as simple as possible but no simpler. 11. Friends may come and go, but enemies accumulate. Oh how I believe that. 12. I have seen the truth and it makes no sense. 13. Suicide is the most sincere form of self-criticism. And its the biggest cop out too. 14. If you think that there is good in everybody, you haven't met everybody.
15. All things being equal, fat people use more soap. Now thats being politically incorrect. 16. If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame. 17. One-seventh of your life is spent on Monday. 18. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends. 19. Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious. 20. There is always one more imbecile than you counted on. 21. Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig likes it. Comedienne Lucille Ball says: :The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age. Again, do not take this seriously. Of course all form of lying is sinful. But here is the key. When you go through a crisis, pray. Never forget that God is in control. Keep your mind clear and put your trust in God. This is the only part of the material that is serious and truthful. So learn the lessons.
Leaders who win the respect of others are the ones who deliver more than they promise, not the ones who promise more than they can deliver. says Mark Clement. One winning principle we can all cultivate for life is this: Always give more than what we're paid for. Those who keep on counting the hours and counting the wages are never happy and worst --- they never grow!! Happy growing today, this week and the rest of your life. 20
If you want to feel rich, just count the things money cant buy. Two kinds of gratitude: The sudden kind we feel for what we take; the larger kind we feel for what we give. says E.A. ROBINSON. There are the givers and there are the takers. The takers of course they eat better. But the givers, they sleep better. And the takers have higher cholesterol. Have a Great day today!
destroyer and returned to the Astoria, whose captain was attempting to save the cruiser by beaching her. The effort failed, and Staples, still wearing the same life belt, found himself back in the water. He was picked up again, this time by the USS President Jackson (AP-37), he was one of 500 survivors of the battle who were evacuated to Noumea.
On board the transport, Staples, for the first time, closely examined the life belt that had served him so well. It had been manufactured by Firestone Tire and Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio, and bore a registration number. Given home leave Staples told his story and asked his mother, who worked for Firestone, about the purpose of the number on the belt. She replied that the company insisted on personal responsibility for the war effort, and that the number was unique and assigned to only one inspector. Staples remembered everything about the lifebelt, and quoted the number. It was his mother's personal code and affixed to every item she was responsible for approving. When we always do what is right, the person we help the most in many ways is our own self and that of our loved ones. So many people miss this. They go to work everyday without any purpose or meaning in life. So why do you think there are many people bored with their work? Maybe because they are not really working. They are simply pretending to work. This is why one company came up with an innovative policy that says: You pretend to work and we will pretend to pay you. 21
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." This special story today found in the web site Daily Encounter was written by Commander Eric J. Berryman. The USS Astoria (C-34) was the first U.S. cruiser to engage the Japanese during the Battle of Savo Island, a night action fought 8-9 August 1942. Although she scored two hits on the Imperial flagship Chokai, the Astoria was badly damaged and sank shortly after noon, 9 August. About 0200 hours a young midwesterner, Signalman 3rd Class Elgin Staples, was swept overboard by the blast when the Astoria's number one eight-inch gun turret exploded. Wounded in both legs by shrapnel and in semi-shock, he was kept afloat by a narrow life belt that he managed to activate with a simple trigger mechanism. At around 0600 hours, Staples was rescued by a passing
Do what is right all the time. Never allow complacency to creep up on you. Develop yourself into a life long learner and keep on growing. This is the only way you begin to open wide better opportunities for growth.
As I come into contact with many of the real and successful winners in life whether they be in the field of business, profession or academe, they all tell the same story. No matter how humble their beginnings may have been they all were faithful in what they were doing. This is why faithfulness is a virtue that you and I should not forsake. And we are developed more in this area when we remember that in everything we do, it is for Gods Glory.
I am unique. You are unique. There are no two identical petals, no two identical leaves. You can go all over the world and you will never find someone who is exactly like you. Why? Because God is merciful. Just to have one of you is more than enough. :) And this is why we should never ENVY another. Envy is dumb and stupid. It is self-destructive. Learn to celebrate others success.
A Chinese proverb says: A gem is not polished without rubbing, nor a man made perfect without trials. So when you face some rubbing today, stay positive, stay beautiful, stay trusting in God and in plane English --- just stay! Till you get through it and start shining.
Start this day with a positive spirit and sustain this week by being positive. Do not say, "I have to go to work again and I hate my job." Say: "I love to go to work today because there are so many out there who can't even find work." Develop an attitude of gratitude and thank God in everything!
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MARCH 2012
FRANCISKONG.COM
for the month of March, 2012.
"To err is human - and to blame it on a computer is even more so." Says Robert Orben. Never master the art of BLAMEstorming. Blaming others weakens ones character. Take responsibility for your actions. When you have succeeded, stay humble and when you have experienced defeat, strengthen your resolve, learn from the episode and move forward. This is how winners are made.
From the book entitled More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks as edited by Wayne Rice, is a story about a parakeet and a vacuum cleaner but as you listen to it you may observe that it deals more than a story about a parakeet. It may actually be talking about you and me. Theres the story of a woman who had a parakeet named Chippie. She loved Chippie because he was such a happy little song bird. Chippie's constant chirping just seemed to brighten her day. One day, the woman was cleaning the bottom of Chippie's cage with a vacuum cleaner when the telephone rang. She reached for the telephone without removing the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner from the cage, which was a mistake. The vacuum cleaner nozzle got pointed in the direction of poor little Chippie, and he was suddenly sucked up into the machine. When the woman looked back at the cage and realized what had happened, she was horrified. She dropped the telephone, turned off the vacuum cleaner and ripped open the dust bag to get to her little bird. Chippie was a real mess, but he was still alive. She raced to the kitchen sink and turned the water on full force on Chippie. The more she tried to wash him, the worse he looked, so she took him to the bathroom and started trying to dry Chippie with her hair dryer--full force and high heat. Finally she got the bird dry and put him back in his cage.
You cannot be in business without conflicts. Conflicts are good. Conflicts can be healthy. Conflicts bring out creativity in people but conflicts should make you a better person not a bitter person. Learn to deal with conflicts professionally. You may attack the issues but never attack the person. Treat each one with respect. Be civil and be civilized.
It's been a Great Week! We are not made happy by what we have. We are made happy by what we appreciate. Offer thanksgiving to God who is the Grand Architect of history and change. Welcome change with great anticipation and gratefulness.
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Several days later, a friend called and asked how Chippie was doing. "He's alive," he said, "but he just sits in his cage and stares into space. And," she added thoughtfully, "Chippie doesn't sing much anymore."
We all know people who are a lot like Chippie. We know young people who once had a song in their hearts. But due to circumstances out of their control, they discovered that "life sucks." As a result, they aren't singing much anymore. I never gave much thought about this until one time I had to stay home during a long vacation. The religious holidays took a couple of days and the stores were closed, the movies were showing nothing but old religious movies and I wasnt at the mood of messing around with my computer. The only thing that got me going was to watch rented tapes all day long. BY the end of the day, I simply found myself staring at the boob tube allowing my mind to drift. Thinking yet having no thoughts. Looking yet seeing nothing. So different from the usual vibrant and hyper active me. My wife and my kids noticed this and they laughed because at that time and circumstance, I was really a funny figure. When they awakened me from my spell, I suddenly realized that I have been so accustomed to be moving around, getting busy, running all over the place such that I get so caught up with the rat race I dont know how to rest any more. No, its not burn out, its not anything I know its just a case of getting so busy with lifes stupid demands such that my heart cant even sing anymore. I may not have noticed this but I probably worship my work and work at my play because lifes different
circumstances do have a tendency to rob our very life away from us. In other words, I felt like Chippie. But the question is: What about you?
Have you ever felt a little like Chippie? Have you been abused by people you loved? Has your world been turned upside down? Have you lost your desire to Sing? Well dont! As Chippie found out, there are no "quick fixes." Healing takes time. But there is someone who can give you back your song and restore your joy. His name is Jesus. "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things" (Psalm 98:1). Its no longer strange to find that the Word of God calls Jesus a Healer. I guess no one can exist without Him, and that includes chippie as well as me.
Do not call it Monday morning blues. This time call it Awesome Monday that will start your Awesome Week! Put your mind in the right frame and work to make this week your most productive week of your life. And then repeat the process next Monday! BE AWESOME!
If a problem causes many meetings, the meetings eventually become more important than the problem, says writer Arthur Bloch. Make your meetings productive. Cut to the chase. Stick to the agenda. Respect opinions. Make it quick and go back to work.
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Our purpose in life is tied to our calling. But our calling will always test our character. No matter how noble our calling in life is, we need to make sure we develop a Christ-like character so as not to destroy the nobility of our purpose. Enjoy the day!
The world has lost its Moral Reference. What has replaced morality today is the new or maybe not-so-new term called political correctness. I have attended a session in a business conference. The famous book author who was speaking opened the session with a claim, I am a Buddhist. I do not understand the relevance of that statement to his topic presentation but I gave him the benefit of the doubt. In another session Ken Blanchard, famous author, trainer and speaker had to exert a lot of efforts in explaining why he is of the Faith and that he does not intend to use his Christianity to convert anyone. And then the thought hit me. One famous author and speaker can be proud in declaring that he is a Buddhist. But Ken Blanchard has to qualify to acknowledge that he is a Christian. This is what happens when we have lost the point of moral reference.
G K Chesterton says: To be clever enough to get all that money, one must be stupid enough to want it. And isnt this so true? For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many grieves. Never allow money to change you. Dont be that cheap!
What you hold in your hands will not be as important as what you carry in your heart. Make sure you spend this week carrying an attitude of gratitude and a firm determination to be excellent to make this week the best week of your life. I do.
Maybe you are thinking that the issue is about religion? Not exactly. Please allow me to qualify. America has been built by the Bible. This is why there is a huge area of American Land today that is still called the Bible Belt area. But isnt it a wonder that today public prayer is already prohibited and the 10 Commandments have been removed from Court Houses and there are attempts to remove the words, In God We Trust from the Dollar Bill?
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I was in my hotel dressing up preparing myself for the training session. There was an interview happening in an American TV program. The wife secretly poses herself in the nude and does Web Sex without the knowledge of her husband. During the interview the husband was obviously surprised.
When asked why she is doing this, "She said I love to do this and I also get to make a few bucks in between." Husband asked; "Is there any physical contact with any man?" The wife shook her head and said, "Absolutely not." Husband says, "Who am I to stand in between my wife and what makes her happy?
bearers of God. A body given to us as His Temple. And so we take care of it because we value it. It's not some cheap device you show off to everyone and earn money from it. What makes this different now from selling one's body for physical pleasure? Not much difference right? Let The Scriptures serve as the main point of reference and let its Author be the Final Authority for indeed He is. Then we do not experience happiness, which is so shallow and is so dependent on happenings. We experience true joy that can only come from Him.
And the audience broke up in "aaaahhhh!" And applauded the husband. Why in the eyes of the audience the husband is a hero. He is understanding and he shows his love for his wife in spite of the fact that she does porno acts in front of a web cam.
Here is a question I would like to ask. Would you and I applaud our children or daughters for doing the same thing? Just to do things that make them happy? America has lost it. There is absolutely no point of reference that porno is wrong. What is all this about? Is everything all about being happy? Some people I know do stupid things and they are happy too. But why is porno wrong? Now the question becomes hard to answer is it not? But when you have a moral reference then the answer becomes pretty obvious. "Because you and I are image
After 17 hours of flying time and 12.5 hours of airport waiting time I finally made it to Boston for my yearly brain upgrade. This is what knowledge is all about. You have to go out of your way and seek it. Rarely does knowledge come and interrupt us in the middle of our DVD movie watching. Same thing with God. We have to seek Him with all of our heart and then we'll find Him! Classes start tomorrow and I'm excited.
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A Swedish proverb says: Fear less, hope more. Eat less, chew more. Whine less, breathe more. Hate less, love more. And all good things are yours. I will add more. In all things give thanks to God!
After more than 20 hours of flying time and waiting time coming back, can't wait to go back to work. No one can be happy unless he or she is productive. Start with a positive mindset. Seek wisdom not answers, give encouragement and not just help and make this week the most productive and meaningful week ever. Today is a gift from God and so are the days of the week.
HENRY BOYE says: "In life, no matter how tall your parents were, you still have to do your own growing."
There's nothing we can do with our ancestry but there is everything we CAN do with our legacy. Take charge, be responsible and start growing!
It is important that we get our math right. The things that count are the things that cannot be counted. I am convinced that we need to see through the clutter and see Jesus for He is all that matters. Youth is fleeting life on this earth is finite and only what matters in eternity truly counts. Learn to number our days aright so we can have a heart of wisdom.
Somebody says, "If we are what we eat then most of us would become french fries by now. The truth is we are what we read. Jim Rohn says 5 years from now, you and I will be exactly the same people today except for two things: the books we read and the friends we meet. Read good books and cultivate honest and good friends by being one yourself.
Norman Cousins says: "Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live." My father raised us up well and even though we grieve his passing last night we rejoice in his arrival in the promised place Jesus offered. He passed on in peace because the Prince of Peace is in his heart.
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The man said, I am. Turning to the woman, the boy said, Is he the boss?
History teaches us the mistakes we are going to make. This is a wise saying. We all should be students of history learning from our past mistakes as well as our past successes. Every day is class in session and everywhere is a classroom for learning. Observe and absorb for today may offer the greatest lesson you and I need to learn. Happy Learning. The woman replied, Yes, he is the boss. The boy asked them to come down to the street. He then explained his reason for asking and told the man to pick out one of the horses. He said he would bring the horse back to him that afternoon. The old man and the old lady looked over the horses carefully, and the husband said, I think the black horse is the better of the two. The wife then said, I think that brown one is in every way the better horse. I would choose him. The old man took a careful look at the brown horse and said, I guess Ill take the brown horse. The boy smiled and said, Oh no you wont; youll take the chicken.
A farmers boy decided to get married. His father said to him, John, when you get married, your liberty is gone. The boy said he did not believe it. The father said, Ill prove it to you. Catch a dozen chicken, tie their legs together and put them in the wagon. Hitch up the 2 horses to the wagon and drive into town. Stop at every house you come to, and whenever you find the man is boss, give him a horse. But whenever you find the woman is boss, give her a chicken. Youll give away all your chickens and come back with 2 horses. Is it really that bad? The boy wondered. What is father trying to say? That the woman is the head of the house? That she is the boss? Still, the boy wouldnt believe. Nevertheless, he accepted the proposition and drove to town. He had stopped at every house and had given away 10 chickens when he came to a nice little house and saw an old man and his wife standing out on the front lawn. He called to them and asked, who is the boss here?
Clearly, the woman is still the boss around the house.

Some times I get really tired of hearing all those jokes about certain men being Under the power and authority of their wives. All jokes imaginable have been concocted and why is this so? Very simple. Because not too many people understand Gods design for marriage.
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You would be amazed at the kinds of things business people say about marriage. One guy said that -Marriage is not a word. It is a sentence (a life sentence!).
Another one trying to play with the concept of philosophy deduces marriage this way: He says -Marriage is love. Love is blind. Therefore, marriage is an institution for the blind. Would you believe that?
Husband and wife, instead of complementing each other collide with each other. This is not an exception, rather it is more of a rule. This is an eventuality because both parties in the marriage relationship do not understand his and her role. Havent you noticed that after attending various marriage seminars, the husband and wife goes home even increased the intensity of their fights. Simply because they start blaming each other. This should not be. The Bible says that the husband is to love his wife to the point of even dying for her as Jesus Christ gave His life for the church. But the womans part is to submit to the authority of her husband. Mess up this pattern and your marriage is messed up too.
So the next time you hear those turkeys teasing you just because you dont want to go with them to the bar after work tonight, they have no idea what marriage is all about. But you know better because you know the Word of God.
One business man tired of all the household chores says that the Marriage certificate is just another word for a work permit.
One wise guy says that you see that the disintegration of marriage comes in different stages: In the first year of marriage, the man speaks and the woman listens adoringly.
In the second year, the woman speaks and the man listens agonizingly. And in the third year, they BOTH speak and the NEIGHBORS listen excitedly. Truth is those who make fun of marriage perhaps is simply being defensive about it. Maybe the guys in the office who tease men saying that their wives are their bosses are themselves being defensive in a way. Somebody says: Marriage is an institution in which a man loses his Bachelor's Degree and the woman gets her Masters. And lastly, another business man says: when a man holds a woman's hand before marriage, it is love; after marriage, it is self-defense.
The one important quality business owners and executives are looking for in their people is initiative. Most people shy away and avoid responsibility and then wonder why their career is going nowhere. Make things happen this week because we will never be happy unless we are productive. 33
Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn. We are all ignorant in different subjects anyway. The person who pretends to know it all is the true ignorant in every way.
Take the time to truly rest. Vacations are important. But here is the key: The ideal length of a vacation is just long enough to be missed and not long enough for them to discover how well they can get along without you... :)
Some people do not want to make a stand. They always want to be on the "winning" side. Stand on the side of truth. In the face of falsehood silence simply means agreement. We know what happens to people who stay in the middle of the road. They get run over. He who is not willing to stand for anything will fall for everything.
Some people are blessed with the ability to create wealth. There is no need to envy them. We have wealth in many other forms. The important thing is to appreciate, to be contented with what we have but to never be contented with what we can become. Become a person of character, grace, manners and values. This is true wealth money cannot buy.
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APRIL 2012
FRANCISKONG.COM
for the month of April, 2012.
spread. Sorrow was turned into joy, defeat was turned into victory!
If something is wrong with your cellphone, you do not consult your washing machine manual. If something is wrong with your TV, you do not consult your DVD manual. When your life is in disarray you don't consult your business manual. You consult your Bible. Do not master the Bible. Let the WORD master you. So it was when Jesus was laid in the tomb on the first Good Friday afternoon. Hope had died even in the hearts of Jesus' most loyal friends. After the frightful crucifixion, the fog of disappointment and misunderstanding had crept in on the friends of Jesus. They had "read" only part of the divine message. "Christ defeated" was all that they knew. But then on the third day--Easter Sunday--the fog of disappointment and misunderstanding lifted, and the world received the complete message: "Christ defeated death!" Defeat was turned into victory; death was turned to life! Such a beautiful and inspiring story taken from the book, Illustrations Unlimited edited by James S. Hewett. Imagine what and how the disciples felt the day and night before the Resurrection. Men who have given up everything in order to follow Christ and now distraught to see their Messiah crucified and died on the cross. Some times we get into the case of the disciples and criticize them for their lack of faith but how would we have responded had we been in their sandals then? I wonder. There is such a tone of finality to the word death. Its like the final curtains are down. Its the End. Finito as the Italians would say. I cannot type Chinese characters from my keyboards but its just as gloomy as it sounds. Finished! Dead! Thats All Folks! 39
It was June 18, 1815, the Battle of Waterloo. The French under the command of Napoleon were fighting the Allies (British, Dutch, and Germans) under the command of Wellington. The people of England depended on a system of semaphore signals to find out how the battle was going. One of these signal stations was on the tower of Winchester Cathedral. Late in the day it flashed the signal: "W-E-L-L-I-N-G-T-O-N--D-E-F-E-A-T-E-D- -." Just at that moment one of those sudden English fog clouds made it impossible to read the message. The news of defeat quickly spread throughout the city. The whole countryside was sad and gloomy when they heard the news that their country had lost the war. Suddenly the fog lifted, and the remainder of the message could be read. The message had four words, not two. The complete message was: "W-E-L-L-I-N-G-T-O-N- - -DE-F-E-A- T-E-D- - -T-H-E- - -EN- E-M-Y!" It took only a few minutes for the good news to
Or is it? Do you know that the One who dies on the first Good Friday is familiar with death but He treated it in another way? Let me tell you why.
The Moody bible Institute in Chicago stands tall and erect right in the heart of the windy city. I have visited it and I have at one time spent a few hours in their impressive library browsing over some of their books. This institution is named after the very popular evangelist name Dwight L. Moody. As a young man, D.L. Moody was called upon suddenly to preach a funeral sermon. He hunted all throughout the four Gospels trying to find one of Christ's funeral sermons, but searched in vain. He found that Christ broke up every funeral he ever attended. Death could not exist where he was. When the dead heard his voice they sprang to life. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life."
the Rise on Sunday will give you hope.

Somebody said: The stone was rolled away from the door, not to permit Christ to come out, but to enable the disciples to go in. And that is the very essence of the Christian faith.
DA Harvard University research study involved two groups of 100 Harvard graduates between the ages of 65 and 75. The 1st group retired at age 65 while the other group continued to be employed for another 10 years. In the first group - those who retired at 65 - 7 out of 8 were dead by age 75. In the second group of 100 men who continued to work - only 1 out of 8 was deceased by age 75. According to Gordon Botting, "The Stew Pot", 04 '98. Good people do not retire, they re-fire. do not call it Monday morning blues. This time call it Awesome Monday that will start your Awesome Week! Put your mind in the right frame and work to make this week your most productive week of your life. And then repeat the process next Monday! BE AWESOME!
And then the glorious Sunday came. The stone could not hold Him, death could not conquer Him and the only One who conquered death lived and rose again to assure us and comfort us that in Him we may have life too. Dont ask me how this is done Im not a theologian. Heck --- Im not even religious. Im just a businessman who believes. And this is why in Him I invest my entire life. That particular Saturday sure is a lonely one but its the lull before the Rise! Death now carries no more sting. For those who believe.
Put your work aside and just think about this for a moment. Your perspective in the board room will be different from you perspective in the operating room when that time comes but
Sometimes the trouble with being a parent is that by the time you're experienced you're usually unemployed. Children grow up and parents grow old and moments are lost without creating pleasant memories of time spent well together. 40
Enjoy your family. Every family tree always produces nuts! And I am the biggest one in ours. Let there be love and laughter in yours too!
sufferings for us. Yet without the cross and Jesus' Resurrection there is no hope for mankind.
Oswald Chambers says: Calvary means "the place of a skull" and that is where our Lord is always crucified, in the culture and intellect of men.
The way you spend your time is the way you live your life. You can make more money, friends and open more businesses but there is always a limit to time. Spend in only on the things that truly count like --- eternity with Christ?
The cross and the resurrection is a great study and it takes a lot of humility to understand it.
Oswald Chambers says: All heaven is interested in the cross of Christ, all hell terribly afraid of it, while men are the only beings who more or less ignore its meaning. Carrying the cross does not mean carrying a problem. When Jesus carried His; He was on a mission to die for us. Everyone who carried the cross died on the cross but Jesus bodily resurrected to offer us life and hope. Today is a good day to reflect on this.
Lent is always a good time for us to rest and more importantly to reflect. Maybe this is why we call it Holy week. 7 days for us to purposely meditate and pray so that we can survive the 51 "unholy" ones. I did a little research. Mel Gibson in his movie The Passion of the Christ made it a little easier to grasp the situation. The cross today adorn many a man and womans necks as a nice piece of jewelry and what many people fail to understand is the fact that during the early days the cross symbolized a curse and it was not something to be proud of. The cross consisted of a perpendicular stake with a crossbeam either at the top of the stake of shortly below the top. The height of the stake was usually little more than the height of a man. A block or a pin was sometimes driven into the stake to serve as a seat for the condemned person, giving partial support to his body. Sometimes also a step for the feet was fixed to the stake. 41
Many men will talk about the character of Jesus and how beautiful His teachings are but only a few would find it comfortable to talk about the Christ of the cross and His
Victims of crucifixion did not usually die for 2 or 3 days. But this was determined by the presence or absence of the seat and the footrest, for a person suspended by his hands lost blood pressure quickly, and the pulse rate was increased. Usually the victim had been severely scourged before crucifixion took place. Total collapse through insufficient blood circulation to the brain and the heart would follow shortly. If the victim could ease his body by supporting himself with the seat and footrest, the blood could be returned to some degree of circulation in the upper part of his body. To fix the hands to the cross beam either cords or nails and cords were used; sometimes the feet were nailed also. When it was desired to bring the torture to an end, the victim's legs were broken below the knees with a club. It was then no longer possible for him to ease his weight, and the loss of blood circulation was accentuated. Coronary insufficiency followed shortly. The victim's offense was usually published by a crier who preceded him to the place of execution. Sometimes it was written on a tablet, which was carried by the condemned man himself. The cross in the olden days was a symbol of a curse. Today many a man and woman use it to adorn their necks. This is the image of Friday. But Sunday brings us to a different message.
As a young man, Chicago based minister D.L. Moody was called upon suddenly to preach a funeral sermon. He hunted all throughout the four Gospels trying to find one of Christ's funeral sermons, but searched in vain. He found that Christ broke up every funeral he ever attended. Death could not exist where he was. When the dead heard his voice they sprang to life. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life."
And here is another story. Margaret Sangster Phippen wrote that in the mid 1950s her father, British minister W. E. Sangster, began to notice some uneasiness in his throat and a dragging in his leg. When he went to the doctor, he found that he had an incurable disease that caused progressive muscular atrophy. His muscles would gradually waste away, his voice would fail, his throat would soon become unable to swallow.
Sangster threw himself into his work in British home missions, figuring he could still write and he would have even more time for prayer. "Let me stay in the struggle Lord," he pleaded. "I don't mind if I can no longer be a general, but give me just a regiment to lead." He wrote articles and books, and helped organize prayer cells throughout England. "I'm only in the kindergarten of suffering," he told people who pitied him. Gradually Sangster's legs became useless. His voice went completely. But he could still hold a pen, shakily. On Easter morning, just a few weeks before he died, he wrote a letter to his daughter. In it, he said, "It is terrible to wake up on Easter morning and have no voice to shout, 'He is risen!'--but it would be still more terrible to have a voice and not want to shout." Dont shout: Its back to work again on Tuesday! Its great to shout: Christ is Risen!
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Recovery.
Christianity is a religion of the open tomb. The stone was rolled away from the door, not to permit Christ to come out, but to enable the disciples to go in. "He is Risen!" Three powerful words that offers Hope for the future providing power to live and win for the present. May you have this victory too! Here is the lesson for today: Never mess up an apology with an excuse." Same principle for business is theme principle for life and living.
Off to Singapore for some speaking and training commitments. Just one thought for the day: Do not trade your dreams for debts. Do not sleep well at night until you have paid it off. Money borrowed does not belong to you. Benjamin Franklin says: "Creditors have better memories than debtors.
Vacation time is almost over. Be excited to go back to work. "There is nothing better for a man than to rejoice in his work." says the wisest man who ever walked the earth. Work is the least expensive way to occupy your time. A successful Silicon Valley executive says: "Our credo is work hard, play hard and don't worry about the difference between work and play. There isn't any.
What you hold in your hands will not be as important as what you carry in your heart! Spread joy around today in the work place. Never mind the skeptics.
Every business commits customer service errors. I experienced one last week. Called up and aired my concern. All I wanted was an apology but all I ever got was an excuse. I promised myself never to do business with that company again unless they train their people on the art and science of "Service FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence
Had a great time speaking in the 10th Annual Secretaries' Summit held at Marina Mandarin, Singapore. Today I speak to the wonderful people of Mediacorp on Creativity and Innovation. I learn so much in the process. To teach another is the best way to learn but am guided by William Arthur Ward's words of wisdom: The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. And by God's grace this is what I aspire to do.
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After the money was transferred, the city fisherman asked, "By the way, how many fish have you caught this week?"
Vance Havner says, "God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume." God uses mightily those who have been hurt deeply and in this aspect, brokenness is a great blessing. "You're the sixth," he said. Thats a fine catch and the word for this is MOMENTUM. Have you ever watched a basketball team scores continuously every time they do down the court, forces the opponents to commit turnovers maybe three times in a row what would the opposing coach do? He would call a time out. And why does he have to do this? Because he wants to break the MOMENTUM! When someone tells you they're "on a roll," that's momentum. When the sales are coming in, money is pouring in thats momentum. When the invitations continue to come and every time you give a performance the reviews are all so positive that is momentum. When you're consistently beating deadlines on a project, that too, is momentum. So now you have a big project and so many people are involved. How do you build momentum to keep your team on course and accomplish your intended goals? May I offer a couple of suggestions? The philosophy behind momentum is to first understand that you build momentum by accumulating small successes. Doug Firebaugh says: "The FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence 44
A fisherman from the city was out fishing on a lake in a small boat. He noticed another man in a small boat open his tackle box and take out a mirror. Being curious the man rowed over and asked, "What is the mirror for? "That's my secret way to catch fish," said the other man. "Shine the mirror on the top of the water. The fish notice the spot of sun on the water above and they swim to the surface. Then I just reach down and net them and pull them into the boat." "Wow! Does that really work?" "You bet it does." "Would you be interested in selling that mirror? I'll give you Php2,000.00 for it." "Well, okay."
secret to Momentum in life can be found in the word Momentum... you create it Moment by Moment..." The bigger the project, the bigger is the payoff as long as momentum is there.
So here are a few suggestions: 1. LET MOMENTUM BE PART OF YOUR PLAN Have everyone know that the entire team will push all speed ahead once they know how to create momentum. 2. TARGET A FEW SMALL WINS These may be initiatives that do not cost much, easy to carry out, does not meet much objections and a few small wins give your team the starting push to get momentum going. Choose these small projects, get them done because this is your way of telling the team that you are now on the move.
furnished. Praising people publicly is one of the best nonmonetary motivational tools you can use that prepare them raring to do more and achieve even bigger goals.
It takes a leader with a grand vision to be able to achieve great success. Peeking through a peephole is no way to stay motivated when you're moving toward a goal. The big picture is important. The leader with the big dreams--big goals--big rewards--big faith is the one who can keep his people moving through obstacles and fatigue and discouragement.
Study Jesus in the New Testament and find out how he discipled a handful of rowdy disciples and had them achieve great things that turned the whole world upside down. Best leadership lesson ever if you were to ask me.
3. LET SMALL WINS LEAD TO BIGGER GOALS The reason why suggestion number 2 is crucial it is because you gain the energy and the zeal and most importantly the optimism to be able to tackle bigger goals. But may I suggest that you focus only on important thing and not too many of them. Trying to do too much at once may cause a diffusion of focus and demoralization in the group. You need at least 1 big win to be able to tackle some more. 4. CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS Once you see the successes coming in celebrate publicly. Send e-mails, put it on your company newsletters, congratulate everyone in your team and make sure their bosses are copy
There are people you can make friends with but only for a day. Many for a few weeks, perhaps a few for months or years. Only the rare and few are for a lifetime. These are rare but they are God's gifts to you. Treasure them. Be a good friend yourself. This week, do something special for them.
Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one. Says Malcolm Forbes. Today I will have the privilege to 45
speak to 400 educators this morning and speak on parenting tonight. So few people have the privilege of doing this and this is why of all men I am so blessed!
People want to talk and they want to be heard. So may I have your opinion as well?
Somebody says: My other brother-in-law died. He was a karate expert, then joined the army. The first time he saluted, he killed himself. Be careful with your strengths. Use them right and use them well.
There is only one thing that can overcome the power of choice and that is to be chosen. A person who has a sense of destiny cannot be stopped. It is important to know one's calling in life. This gives us a sense of purpose.
Much of our human life has very little to do with the physical. You and I are spiritual beings. We are made up of thoughts, feelings, intentions, choices and many of which deals with the issues of the soul. Poor is the person blessed with physical faculties but is impoverished in the spirit.
There are times when I have to go to our domestic airports regularly. There are so many out of town speaking engagements that bring me to the airport at early hours in the morning and as uncomfortable as this maybe it is now part of my life I have learned to live with.
Many things happen in airports. Long lines, short lines, put your bags, remove your shoes, socks with holes socks without holes and some without socks and for the life of me I cannot understand why people have to remove their slippers and sandals too and let it slide through the x-ray machine. Theyre probably scanning for germs and bacteria. Part of the job I guess. There are so many interesting people inside the airport. There are so many interesting people inside the lounge. And I say this without exaggeration, there has never been an airport 46
Would you like to have more creative ideas for your business? Talk to your front liners and not just your managers. Use the five magic words that would work wonders: I would like your opinion. Studies show that simply asking for anothers opinion significantly enhances your positive image of that individual.
experience of mine without running into someone I know or someone who happens to know me. A participant in my seminars, an audience in my talk or maybe somebody who would call my attention because they recognize me from this column. Overall, apart from the sleepiness and the predictable food inside the lounge my airport experiences have been pretty good. And then I am always on the lookout for drama. Drama that happens right before my eyes. Big Shots, and Big People they come in different sizes and shapes and characters. Big Shots come with many body guards. One to carry his suitcase, another to pave the way so there wont be traffic and delay, maybe one or two more whose only job is to look menacing. And may I say that they are quite good at what they are doing. I am sure security inside the airport is lacking and that is why they need to bring their personal guards with them.
Big Shots make a grand entrance. Here the drama is about to unfold. What a sight to behold. Accompanied by airport officials I presume because they wear those huge IDs on their chest. These Big Shots need not fall in line. They are public servants you know and as such they expect to be served. And then I turn around and my smile meets the smiles of other passengers who begin to shake their heads. Maybe our thoughts are on the same wave length. What a reflection of our country. The values we hold dear. Perks and privileges of a democratic government is this it? I really dont know.
Maybe the wise guy who said this was right: An autocratic government is run by an autocrat. An oligarchy is run by oligarchs. A communist government is run by communists. A monarchy is run by a monarch. And a democratic government is run by demons.
Of course this is not true but when you see sights like these you tend to believe it is. The irony is that there is no respect and admiration from those who watch the drama unfolding. They shake their heads, they mumble words I cannot hear and then they move on. And then there are the Big People. I see them and I recognize them because they are known and they are famous. But they are inconspicuous and they try their best to stay that way. No fanfare no accompanying officials with huge ID on their chests and they do fall in line. Greet them and they greet you back. Move over and let them go first and they refuse with a smile, say a little Thank you and gain the admiration of people around them. These are not the Big Shots. These are the Big People. There is a big difference between the Big Shots and the Big People. Humility is what differentiates them. Maybe I am just tired and maybe having to wake up so early just to go to the airport to catch my morning flight has made me critical and cynical and I apologize for this. But would 47
you blame me if I wish I could see more public figures displaying humility and serving because this is what they are called to do? We still have a lot of growing up to do dont we?
Borrowing a famous line from famous American comedienne Lily Tomlin and revising it a little for the local context: Ninety eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hardworking, honest Filipinos. It's the other lousy two percent that get all the publicity. But then, we elected them. Everything rises and falls on leadership and I pray to God that He gives us good leaders.
spoon treatment.
THE FOUR-TO-ONE RULE: For every criticism you make of someone's job performance, make sure you give the person four compliments.
The saddest words in pen or tongue are the words: "It might have been." Life, love and business involve risk taking. Each day is a gift from God and a great adventure to experience. Live your life to the full. There will never be another day like today.
Go to work with joy and gladness in your heart today. This just may define your theme for the week. Never mind the critics. Albert Einstein's theories came under attack; even an antiEinstein organization was set up. When a book was published entitled 100 Authors Against Einstein, he retorted, 'If I were wrong, then one would have been enough!" Do what is right and not what people say. Take your limitations with grace. Helen Keller (born blind), Albert Einstein (refugee) and Abraham Lincoln (born poor) never complained about their plight. This is why they're great. Dynasties do not last, they are destroyed because of the golden
There are some institutions who teach that it is right for one to believe that he is right but it is wrong to for one to believe others are wrong. So what happened is that these people want us to cultivate our thinking process without coming to a rightful conclusion. I don't know why but some times I feel that many have educated themselves to imbecility.
Where there is no frame work of morality, there is only relativity and the stupidity of being unable to determine right from wrong. God's Word could never be wrong and this should be the basis of our moral framework.
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I dont like chain letters and I can assure you I dont participate in one too. But once in a while I get to receive something that is worth sharing and this happens to be one of them. I studied the long chain of names wherein this material has been circulating through the Internet and the only lament I have is that there is no mention as to the authors name and identity. It is a true story though as claimed and the moment my friend Cynthia sent it to me, I knew this one is so important I just have to share it with you. I have simply entitled this, It Could Have Been You. Jenny was so happy about the house they had found. For once in her life twas on the right side of town. She unpacked her things with such great ease. As she watched her new curtains blow in the breeze. How wonderful it was to have her own room. School would be starting; she'd have friends over soon. There'd be sleep-overs, and parties; she was so happy. It's just the way she wanted her life to be. On the first day of school, everything went great. She made new friends and even got a date! She thought, "I want to be popular and I'm going to be, Because I just got a date with the star of the team.
To be known in this school you had to have a clout, And dating this guy would sure help her out. There was only one problem stopping her fate. Her parents had said she was too young to date. "Well I just won't tell them the entire truth. They won't know the difference; what's there to lose?"
Jenny asked to stay with her friends that night. Her parents frowned but said, "All right." Excited, she got ready for the big event But as she rushed around like she had no sense, She began to feel guilty about all the lies, But what's a pizza, a party, and a moonlight ride? Well the pizza was good, and the party was great, But the moonlight ride would have to wait. For Jeff was half drunk by this time. But he kissed her and said that he was just fine. Then the room filled with smoke and Jeff took a puff. Jenny couldn't believe he was smoking that stuff. Now Jeff was ready to ride to the point But only after he'd smoked another joint. They jumped in the car for the moonlight ride, Not thinking that he was too drunk to drive. They finally made it to the point at last, And Jeff started trying to make a pass. A pass is not what Jenny wanted at all 49
(and by a pass, I don't mean playing Football.) "Perhaps my parents were right...maybe I am too young. Boy, how could I ever, ever be so dumb." With all of her might, she pushed Jeff to stay away: "Please take me home, I don't want to stay." Jeff cranked up the engine and floored the gas. As Jeff drove on in a fit of wild anger, Jenny knew that her life was in danger. She begged and pleaded for him to slow down, But he just got faster as they neared the town. "Just let me get home! I'll confess that I lied. I really went out for a moonlight ride."
Then all of a sudden she saw a big flash, "Oh God, Please help us! We're going to crash!" She doesn't remember the force of impact. Just that everything all of a sudden went black. She felt someone remove her from the twisted rubble, And heard, "call an ambulance! These kids are in trouble! Voices she heard...a few words at best. But she knew there were two cars involved in the wreck. Then wondered to herself if Jeff was all right, And if the people in the other car were alive. She awoke in the hospital to faces so sad.
"You've been in a wreck and it looks pretty bad. These voices echoed inside her head, As they gently told her that Jeff was dead. They said "Jenny, we've done all we can do. But it looks as if we'll lose you too." "But the people in the other car?" Jenny cried. "We're sorry, Jenny, they also died." Jenny prayed, "God, forgive me for what I've done I only wanted to have just one night of fun." "Tell those people's family, I've made their lives dim, And wish I could return their families to them." "Tell Mom and Dad I'm sorry I lied, And that it's my fault so many have died. Oh, nurse, won't you please tell them that for me?" The nurse just stood there-she never agreed. But took Jenny's hand with tears in her eyes. And a few moments later Jenny died.
A man asked the nurse, "Why didn't you do your best To bid that girl her one last request?" She looked at the man with eyes so sad. "Because the people in the other car were her mom and dad." This story is sad and unpleasant but true, So young people take heed, it could have been you. I dont think I should say more. 50
Not every one has the right to have a formal education. (some do not have money). But every one should have the drive to get educated. Do not think out of the box. Get out of the box and do some thinking. As long as the determination is there, there will always be a way. In the digital economy, we turn obsolete the moment we finish writing our resume. The challenge is: Will there be new things added to my resume should I prepare one today? What new things would I learn today? Never be satisfied with the status quo. Level up everyday.
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MAY 2012
FRANCISKONG.COM
for the month of May, 2012.
Somebody says "Every person is holding an invisible sign that says: "Please make me feel important!" This is so true. Make someone feel important especially the people way down there in the organizational chart. (janitors, messengers, security guards, etc) Greet them, smile at them and simply make them feel important and one this is guaranteed. You will feel joy!
At a college reunion, thirty years after graduation, one man said to another, "See that fellow over there? Well--he's gotten so bald and so fat he didn't even recognize me!" Look at the mirror. Do not see through a window.
Be wary of people who agree with you all the time. Either he or she is a fool or the person is ready to skin you. Do not constantly seek for the things you want to hear. Real friends are those who will tell you things you NEED to hear. Be wise but be gentle.
It would be wise to heed the words of Victor Hugo when he said: "You can resist an approaching army but no one can resist an idea whose time has come! Wisdom is having the ability to read the signs of the times and this has to be sought. It is not given.
How would you know whether you are a mother or not? Well, you Know You're a Mother When.... 1. You count the sprinkles on each kid's cupcake to make sure they're equal. 2. You have the time to shave only one leg at a time. 3. You hide in the bathroom to be alone. 4. Your kid throws up and you catch it. 5. Some one else's kid throws up at a party. You keep eating. 6. You consider finger paints to be a controlled substance. 7. You've mastered the art of placing large quantities of pancakes and eggs on a plate without anything touching. 8. Your child insists that you read "Once Upon a Potty" out loud in the lobby of Grand Central Station and you do it. 9. You cling to the high moral ground on toy weapons, your child chews his toast into the shape of a gun. 10. You hope ketchup is a vegetable, since it's the only way your child eats. 11. You can't bear the thought of your son's first girlfriend. 12. You hate the thought of his wife even more.
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13. You find yourself cutting your husbands' sandwiches into cute shapes. 14. You can't bear to give away baby clothes - it's so final. 15. You hear your mother's voice coming out of your mouth when you say, "NOT in your good clothes!" 16. You stop criticizing the way your mother raised you. 17. You donate to charities in the hope that your child won't get that disease. 18. You hire a sitter because you havent been out with your husband in ages, then spend half the night checking on the kids. 19. You use your own saliva to clean your child's face. 20. You say at least once a day, "I'm not cut out for this job", but you know you wouldn't trade it for anything.
Motherhood. And this is why having one day a year paying tribute to mothers may be a noteworthy thing to do but it is my belief and conviction that mothers deserve more credit than that. First, let me tell you how Mothers Day got started. The earliest Mother's Day celebrations can be traced back to the spring celebrations of ancient Greece in honor of Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. During the 1600's, England celebrated a day called Mothering Sunday. Celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent (the 40 day period leading up to Easter*),"Mothering Sunday" honored the mothers of England. During this time many of the England's poor worked as
servants for the wealthy. As most jobs were located far from their homes, the servants would live at the houses of their employers. On Mothering Sunday the servants would have the day off and were encouraged to return home and spend the day with their mothers. A special cake, called the mothering cake, was often brought along to provide a festive touch. As Christianity spread throughout Europe the celebration changed to honor the "Mother Church" - the spiritual power that gave them life and protected them from harm. Over time the church festival blended with the Mothering Sunday celebration . People began honoring their mothers as well as the church.
In the United States Mother's Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the words to the Battle hymn of the Republic) as a day dedicated to peace. Ms. Howe would hold organized Mother's Day meetings in Boston, Mass ever year. In 1907 Ana Jarvis, from Philadelphia, began a campaign to establish a national Mother's Day. Ms. Jarvis persuaded her mother's church in Grafton, West Virginia to celebrate Mother's Day on the second anniversary of her mother's death, the 2nd Sunday of May. By the next year Mother's Day was also celebrated in Philadelphia.
Ms. Jarvis and her supporters began to write to ministers, businessman, and politicians in their quest to establish a national Mother's Day. It was successful as by 1911 Mother's Day was celebrated in almost every state. President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day as a national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May. While many countries of the world celebrate their own Mother's Day at different times
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throughout the year, there are some countries such as Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium which also celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May. And of course here in our own country, we became conscious of Mothers Day because Department stores and shopping malls remind us always.
May I make suggestion? That we honor the many mothers who are working as overseas Filipino workers sacrificing themselves for their families this time? The Bible says: Honor your father and your mother and on this special occasion it would be good to also remember the gallantry, nobility and the sacrifice Filipino mothers all over the world are doing for their families. One proverb says it best: That one mother can take care of ten children, but ten children can't take care of one mother.
Anybody who is afraid to look bad is a loser. He is the same person you can beat every time. CNN founder Ted Turner says: If you never quit, youre never beaten. Quitters have never won. Winning has nothing to do with how you look, it has everything to do with your tenacity and resolve to win. The question is not How do I look? The question is How am I going to solve this.
"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." says Henry Brooks Adams. This afternoon Ill speak to more than 400 public school teachers which will be held in CCF St. Francis Square. Again, it's time for me to give back to what they have given me.
A wise person says: "The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra!" Do your best work today and for the rest of this week. Do not be a painter, be an artist. Always give more than what you are paid for. This is the path to success.
Most trouble is produced by those who don't produce anything else. They complain, criticize and suck up the life, and energy of other people. Be positive and be productive. This is the path to joy and happiness.
Facing difficulties? Two ways to meet them. Change the difficulty or change yourself. Life difficulties are intended to make us better, not bitter. And don't melt like butter. FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence 58
Croft Pentz says: An ounce of mother is often worth more than a ton of clergy. A nation's strength or moral fiber is judged by the quality of its mothers. Almost all of history's greatest workers had godly mothers. This is why we honor them everyday.
spoke: "Mr. Wilson, please." I raised my hand. "You'll have to deplane," he said, "because another man had bought his ticket before you, but he was late getting to the terminal."
I must confess that I complained. "What kind of a business are you running?" I asked. They took my baggage off the plane. The next flight was several hours later, so instead of waiting, I took a taxi to the bus depot in Atlanta. A bus was ready to leave, and I was told to board and then purchase my ticket when we arrived at the next stop. When we reached that stop, I phoned my father to tell him that I was taking a bus instead of a plane. He answered the phone, asking, "Who is this?"I said, "It's T. W." "Oh, son. Oh, son . . ." he said repeatedly. It really didn't make sense to me. Finally he said, "Son the plane that you told me you would be on crashed and all 23 people were killed." I was stunned. It dawned on me that God had spared my life and that he had some more work for me to do! Suppose God had worked things out in the way that I had wanted I would be dead and not able to minister today. This is why I chose Romans 8:28 to be my life's verse: "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (KJV).[1] Well, it looks like Mr. Wilson really knows what hes talking about. Considering his dramatic experience. 59
Have you ever been bumped off from a flight? I have. And I can assure you its not a very pleasant experience. Specially if you have a connecting flight to catch. So what do you do when youre caught in a situation like this? Fret, whine, moan and groan? Threaten to sue the airline? Sure, they give us a pass that offers free food but truth is we hate the inconvenience.
You may find this hard to believe but I have conditioned my mind to thank God for the inconvenience and simply trust in His plans. Listen to the story told by T. W. Wilson.
One day many years ago I was in Atlanta, Georgia, trying to catch a plane to Charlotte, North Carolina, so that I could visit my father and mother. I got my ticket at the last minute, and I was seated on the plane when all of a sudden the flight director
Now heres the problem. Most of us do not have dramatic experiences like Mr. Wilson in our story and when inconveniences come into our lives, we complain. But what we fail to realize is that every single inconvenience that has happened in our lives, when we allow our 20-20 hindsight vision see it with an open heart, we would realize that God has used them to build us up to become stronger in the process. We begin to realize that our prayers were not answered and what a relief they were not. Trusting God gives us inner peace. Relinquishing control and allow His hand of divine providence to rule our lives make us enjoy the gift of life that God has given. Mary Beth says these are the symptoms of Inner Peace 1. A tendency to think and act spontaneously, rather than on fears based on past experiences. 2. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment. 3. A loss of interest in judging other people. 4. A loss of interest in judging self. 5. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others. 6. A loss of the ability to worry. 7. Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation. 8. Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature. 9. Frequent attacks of smiling. 10. An increasing tendency to let things happen; And finally, 11. An increased susceptibility to love, and to freely receive
the love extended by others, as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it. So trust God when something you want to happen dont and something you want to do you cant. Say a word of prayer and give thanks. Trust God for He knows whats best for us. By the way, when youre in business like me, you get to sign a lot of contracts. And contracts always refer to disasters, calamities and negative events and happenings as acts of God. Listen. Gods acts are for good and not for evil. So stop complaining and start trusting. Always remember that there are only two certainties in life. No. They are not death and taxes. The 2 certainties in life are these: 1. That there is a God and 2. Youre not Him. So put your trust in Him [1] By T. W. Wilson, DECISION, November 1998
The insights and comments are fantastic! Combine all of your thoughts and put that into a book will equal if not surpass the "money" books you find in stores today. So here now is the start of my one-liner practical money management tips for this week."A small house is always better than a large mortgage."
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LOVE IS A DECISION
Two men with no money, yet the one who is debt free is still richer than the one who owes people money. A latte a day takes your savings away! This is an old one but it still is funny to me. Ever heard of the Seven Ages of the Married Cold? Heres how it operates: During the 1st year of marriage, everything was still so hot and romantic--The husband says, "Oh, sweetie pie, I'm really worried about those nasty sniffles you have! There's no telling what that could turn into with all the germs that's been going around. I'm going to take you right down to the hospital and have you admitted for a couple days of rest. I know the food is lousy there, so I'm going to bring you some takeout from our towns best Italian restaurant. I've already arranged it with the head nurse." 2nd year--"Listen, honey, I don't like the sound of that cough. I called the doc and he's going to stop by here and take a look at you. Why don't you just go on to bed and get the rest you need?" 3rd year--"Maybe you better go lie down, darling. When you feel lousy you need the rest. I'll bring you something--do we have any canned soup around here?" 4th year--"No sense wearing yourself out when you're under the weather. When you finish those dishes and the kids' baths and get them to bed, you ought to go to bed yourself! A wise and trustworthy person is one who values his principles more than money. 5th year--"Why don't you take a couple aspirin?" 61
Lending people money is not good for their health. It may cause amnesia. Money is a wonderful slave but a terrible task master; never be enslaved to it.
It's amazing that the Bible never says money is the root of all evil....it's the LOVE of money that is!
6th year--"You ought to go gargle or something, instead of sitting around barking like a dog!"
7th year--"For Pete's sake, stop sneezing. Are you trying to give me pneumonia? You'd better pick up some tissues while you're at the store." I like Gary Smalley and the way he writes. Hes a specialist in the area of marriage and family. I would like to share with you an article he wrote entitled: Love is a Decision. Heres how it goes. If your marriage relationship doesn't have a destination, how will you know when you arrive? And why wait for love to materialize out of stardust, when you could choose excitement and romance - now? There is a simple yet profound plan for a marriage of depth and warmth and excitement! Plan, you ask? Exactly! Good marriages are no accident. The rules are simple enough; you just need them outlined for you to follow in a profound guide. Tough times can strike any family relationship. But deciding to love - in practical ways outlined here - can result in relationships that are tougher than tough times. Six elements to staying in love, included in Love is a Decision, are: 1. Making your spouse feel truly honored 2. Learning the art of touching - tenderly 3. Keeping courtship alive in your marriage
4. Re-opening a heart closed by anger 5. Building - or rebuilding - trust in a relationship 6. Becoming best friends with your family These six elements are the keys to Love. Love is not an emotion, love is not a feeling, love is not happen-stance. Love is a Decision. Love is waking up every day committed to honoring your mate by implementing the above six keys. If you want to have a great relationship, guess what, it's up to you.
We see so many couples come through our live events and counseling sessions that want us to "fix" them. They want a better, more fun-filled and intimate marriage, but they don't know how to reach it. The most common and most fundamental thing these couples are lacking is the knowledge that love is a decision. If you want to wake up each and every morning excited about your marriage, then deciding to do this is the first step. If you don't know how to make this first, most basic step, then Love is a Decision will help you get there! They say that marriages are made in heaven, but God leaves the maintenance to men.
Harold Green says: In the business world, everyone is paid in two coins: cash and experience. Take the experience first; 62
the cash will come later. There is something fascinating about cash. A sign in a store says: In God we trust; all others must pay cash. Funny how cash can look so big when you take it to church, and so small when you take it to a store. Cash is not king. God is!
drive out to Johns house. He lived out in the country, and I lived in London. I remember asking the chauffeur once if he was having a good week.
He said, I'm very busy at the moment. I've been working eight days a week.' And I thought, 'Eight days a week! Now there's a title.' " To have a great idea you need to have lots of ideas.
It's not motivation that leads to action. Actions precedes motivation. You need to put in effort to take the 1st step and make today the best day of your life......everyday!
Somebody says: People are strange: they want the front of the bus, the back of the church, and the center of attention. Winners know how to set their priorities right.
A young and brilliant participant in my seminar said, "I am now working in my fourth company in 3 years. I always felt like I was no longer growing and so I would move to the next company. But the most important thing I have learned from this seminar is that growing IS my own business and responsibility not the company's." I am so happy she realized this and have no doubt she is well on her way to success.
My daughter Rachel taught me how to love. I know that a dog is a mans best friend but I never cared about them. I mean --- I dont hurt them, kick them or eat them but I just didnt feel like having them as pets. Fish, yes. Turtles, I have. But dogs?
Let me be frank. I love to play with them but I dont like their pooh poohs and their peepees.
People who are proud and self-centered are like arithmetic; they add trouble, subtract pleasure, divide attention, and multiply ignorance. Humility is always the better choice. You can get ideas everywhere. Paul McCartney says: "I used to
Guess what? One day Rachel just brought home a puppy. I got so upset because she broke my rules. But the moment I saw that cute little white Japanese Spitz. I fell in love. And within one months time, we now have 1 Chow Chow, the Spitz and of course 3 Siberian Huskies. 63
One morning, I walked slowly to the cage where the youngest of all our dogs was staying. So engrossed was I with Georgia, (thats the name of the youngest Huskie), I never noticed that there was a piece of extended GI sheet and it cut through my forehead.
Blood flowed. Not too serious because no sewing was requiredbut an ugly cut nevertheless. And I had a whole week full of speaking engagements before me. A cut! And now a scar. It will be months before the scar go away. Its not that bad.
Was it a letter from the government? We regret to inform you that your son is missing in action.
Whatever the rock or the piece of metal that was, the result was the samea shattered piece and a broken heart. The scar on my forehead is still visible. But a lot of scars in peoples lives cannot be seen but its there. The pain is not forgotten and the healing has not taken place. And suddenly God was not so easy to see. The moment the rock struck, the metal became a reference point for you. From then on, there was life before the pain and life after the pain. Before your pain, the view was clear; God seemed so near. After your pain, well, he was harder to see. He seemed a bit distant . . . harder to perceive. Your pain distorted the viewnot eclipsed it, but distorted it. Ive got news for you. Jesus is called the Healer. But you have to be willing to be healed. Jesus is the Redeemer but you have to be willing to be forgiven. Release the pain and let there be clarity of eyesight. Let the vision see, nearer to God you will be. When you cant see Him, trust Him. Jesus is closer than youve ever dreamed. Your scars cannot be deeper than the ones He carried on His hands and on His side. C. S. Lewis says: God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world. Question is: Are you listening? 64
You know what? A lot of people carry scars through out their lives. The scars never left them. Maybe some time in the past, something happened. A piece of metal or a rock shattered your peace. Maybe the rock hit in adolescence when your heart was broken. Maybe you made it into adulthood before the window was cracked. But then that piece of metal came.
Was it a phone call? We have your daughter at the station. Youd better come down. Was it a letter on the kitchen table? The letter said, Ive left. Dont try to reach me. Dont try to call me. Its over. I just dont love you anymore. Was it a diagnosis from the doctor? Im afraid our news is not very good.
My father taught me: there are three things I cannot pretend to have if I don't have it: 1. Money 2. Strength 3. Wisdom Be real. Work hard. Exercise and learn continuously.
A team is made up of different people. Together much is done, alone not much. Celebrate each persons differences. Doug Floyd says: "You don't get harmony when everybody sings the same note."
Do not be late for meetings and appointments. Being late is stealing other people's time. Showing up early is a sign of true professionalism.
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Matters which was given a Year 2007 special citation by the Catholic Mass Media Awards.
Francis J. Kong is: President of Success Options Publishing Company President of FunWorks Inc. a member of the Canadian based Mad Science International Group, the worlds number one (1) Science educational-entertainment program provider for kids. Founding member and Director of Inspire Leadership Consultancy Francis has extensive work experiences in manufacturing and retail as he help founded a popular clothing company and ran a retail chain for many years. You can hear him in his daily Radio Program Business
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JUNE 2012
FRANCISKONG.COM
A compilation of post from the personal blog of Francis J. Kong for the month of June, 2012.
This eBook was created and compiled by One Awesome Social Media Company Inc. FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence 69
The key to effective time management is the management of self. Understanding ones priority, values and worth is extremely important.
Finally the door opened, he put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. There, thats better, I said. And he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. Stop it, stop it! I cried.
He only nodded, Not yet. Then suddenly he put me back into the oven, not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. All the time I could see him through the opening nodding his head saying, Not yet.
There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in the beautiful stores. They both liked antiques and pottery and specially teacups. This was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. One day in this beautiful shop they saw a beautiful teacup. They said, May we see that? Weve never seen one quite so beautiful. As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke. You dont understand, it said. I havent always been a teacup. There was a time when I was red and I was clay. My master took me and rolled me and patted me over and over and I yelled out, let me alone, but he only smiled, Not yet. Then I was placed on a spinning wheel, the teacup said, and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. Stop it! Im getting dizzy! I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, Not yet. Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I wondered why He wanted to burn me, and I yelled and knocked at the door. I could See him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head Not yet.
Then I knew there wasnt any hope. I would never make it. I was ready to give up. But the door opened and he took me out and placed me on the shelf. One hour later he handed me a mirror and said, Look at yourself. And I did. I said, Thats not me; that couldnt be me.
Its beautiful. Im beautiful. I want you to remember, then, he said, I know it hurts to be rolled and patted, but if I had left you alone, youd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I knew it hurt and was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadnt put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I had done that, you never would have hardened; you would not have had any color in your life. 70
And if I hadnt put you back in that second oven, you wouldnt survive for very long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. You are what I had in mind when first began with you.
I guess by now you already know what the story is all about. Pains, trials, difficulties in life. A non-stop, continuous actionpacked adventure. Thats what life is and the blows, well, they keep coming. Guess whats happening? The Master is putting us His clay into the oven in order to break us, mold us and form us into His image.
Christ as my Master. So let the molding continue until the day He completes the work He has begun in me.
Those whose hearts are following God will always be challenged by those who are not. How true it is that you will know a man not only by his friends but by his enemies.
God knows what Hes doing (for all of us). He is the Potter, and we are His clay.
He will mold us and make us, so that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Think about it. Our every area of strength comes from our past oven-experience. This is why were strong today and that strength, is used to help others and bring glory to His name. Helen Keller says I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself, my work and my God. Warren Wiersbe noted that when God permits his children to go through the furnace, he keeps his eye on the clock and his hand on the thermostat. As for me the best thing to do is to remember that I am but clay. But what a privilege it is to have
How is your hope level this week? Wise men say: The secret of motivation is hope. You dont have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.
Love your enemies. This is not only a biblical principle we need to apply but this is effective because it will drive your enemies crazy!
We need to send our emotions to school. Feelings need education and should be subservient to the will. Emotions will either serve us and without education emotions will shame us. Successful people master their moods and emotions well.
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People will pay more to be entertained than educated. Great people talk about ideas. Average people talk about events. Small people talk about people.
We need to send our emotions to school. Feelings need education and should be subservient to the will. Emotions will either serve us and without education emotions will shame us. Successful people master their moods and emotions well. Look at how the cycle of fatherhood works:
To the wise money is a wonderful tool. To the greedy money is a lethal drug. To the givers money is a blessing. To the takers money is their master.
Love your enemies. This is not only a biblical principle we need to apply but this is effective because it will drive your enemies crazy!
We need to send our emotions to school. Feelings need education and should be subservient to the will. Emotions will either serve us and without education emotions will shame us. Successful people master their moods and emotions well.
At 4 years of age: My Daddy can do anything. 7 years: My Dad knows a lot, a whole lot. 12 years: Oh, well naturally Father doesnt know that either. 14 years: Father? Hopelessly old-fashioned. 21 years: Oh, that man is so out-of-date. What did you expect? 25 years: He knows a little bit about it but not much. 30 years: Maybe we ought to find out what Dad thinks. 35 years: Lets ask Dad what he would do before we make a decision. 40 years: I wonder what Dad would have thought about that? He was pretty smart. 50 years: My Dad knew absolutely everything. 60 years: Id give anything if Dad were here so I could talk this over with him. I really miss that man. Now thats life isnt it?
My kids are grown up. Its heartening to know that the more they mature the more Fathers Day mean a lot to them.
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It took me this long to realize that I never knew what was going in their hearts when they were younger.
When they were youngerI felt bad when they forget my birthdays. When they were youngerI felt bad when they did not even greet me Happy Fathers Day! When they were youngerI felt bad when they rushed out of the house to be with their friends on Christmas eve. When they were youngerI felt bad when they seem to be spending more time with their friends than with their folks. But now that Im a little older and a little wiser I realize theyre all part of the stages of life. My kids never forget my birthday this time. My kids make sure they stay home with us on Christmas eve. My kids surprise me with a little something on Fathers Day. Fathers Day to me now is both a joy and a worry as my kids are growing up. I am always afraid they are going to give me a present that I couldnt afford.
I love my kids and they are all growing up very well indeed.
My son and I wrote a book on Paren-Teen entitled: Why dont you grow updad! Not only is it a funny book but in it he expressed his love and his sentiments being a son. Ive accomplished many things in life though I would love to accomplish a lot more. I have had people given me standing ovations and glowing evaluations to my seminars and speeches and I feel very much fulfilled in what I am doing. God has blessed me over the years and He has occupied me with gladness of heart. Similarly I have gone through tremendous challenges in life both in the business fields as well as in the personal areas too.
I have had business partners who cheated meI have had friends who betrayed meI have had people I respect for so long. lied, condemned and deceive me. And thats all right. All part of lifes different stages but the bottom line is that when I hit home, my wife and my kids are all there for me and then nothing else matters any more.
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God is number One in my life. Next to Him is my wife and the people who come next are my kids. My businesses and career follow. This is the order or my lifes priorities. Fathers Day is not just receiving gifts from my wife and kids. They already are. Family happiness is homemade. This is why I am home most of the time.
There is a diminishing returns on happiness based on money and things. Only in God is there a continuous joy. Do not expect God to one day say, Well done, youve left so many things behind.
Edward B. Butler says: One man has enthusiasm for 30 minutes, another for 30 days, but it is the man who has it for 30 years who makes a success of his life. Faithfulness is the key to long term sustainable success.
It is important to be humble in victory and to be gracious in defeat. Pacman shows both. In my book, he won!
What you acquire by reaching your destination isnt as important as what you become by reaching your destination. There are many who have reached their goals but in the process has destroyed their character. This is not success. This is a great loss! We need to work on our character every day of our lives.
Do not allow yesterday to use up too much of today. Its a brand new week. No one can move forward with eyes fixed on the rear view mirror. Have a Great Day and a Great Week!
Many are called but few actually return the message Always be courteous. Return calls. Do not be late for appointments. Deliver on your promises and be an inspiration to others.
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they be done more cheaply or efficiently? Could your product be longer?

If you want to go to bed tonight with satisfaction for a day well spent, you need to wake up early this morning with the determination to do so. Determination precedes satisfaction. Shorter? A different shape? Another fabric? Another color? Sometimes you can come up with simple ideas that make a big difference. Incidentally, one advantage of a continual personalgrowth-and-education way of life is that the broader and deeper your knowledge base, the more creative your problem solving approach to life. Simple example: For years mens coats had an inside pocket only on the right where pens and other items were kept. One day somebody had a thought: Since most men are righthanded, why not put a pocket on the inside left so that they can reach in, extract the pen with their right hand, and begin writing? Not monumental, but it saves a second or two and its sold lots of suits.
Popular author and motivator Zig Ziglar tells us a story. Many people set low ceilings on their expectations and capabilities. In the process, they place themselves in a box. Alexander Whortley took that a step further and literally lived in a box. It was a mini-trailer, three feet wide, four feet long, and five feet high. He lived there until he died at the age of 80. His box was made of wood, had a metal roof, and it housed him and all his meager belongings. Regardless of where he worked, Whortley chose to spend his life in that cramped space, even though larger, more comfortable quarters were always available.
Thats thinking out of the box.[1]

Famous playwright George Bernard Shaw says: Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.
Few of us live in a box. However, too many of us have a Some people wait for that flash of inspiration but it never tendency to box ourselves in and continue to do things one comes. way because weve always done it this way. In many cases, time and experience have proven that this way is the best way. However, I challenge you to periodically take a long walk The thing is to get you to start doing something and then the or quietly sit and think about the way you do things. Ask inspiration does come. yourself if there might not be a better way. Could your procedures be simplified? Are they necessary at all? Could FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence 75
People who think out of the box are usually people with multiple interests.
This is why He has gifted us with creativity too so that we can enjoy this wonderful gift of His, this thing called life.
Enjoy it and live it to the fullest.
They love music, they love arts, theyre into sports, they adore literature, they study history, they travel and they dont confine themselves into one solitary thing.
Prominent professor and psychologist Frank Barron says: The creative person is both more primitive and more cultivated, more destructive and more constructive, a lot madder and a lot saner, than the average person.
[1] Adapted from Zigs book, SOMETHING ELSE TO SMILE ABOUT, published by Thomas Nelson. Zig Ziglar On Getting Out of the Box
And before you start thinking of somebody you know in the office realize that the person is the one that stares right back at you from the mirror. You can think out of the box. You can be creative.
Learn a second language, take up a new craft.
A persons values are revealed more by the questions asked than the answers given. When your loved ones call to report an accident and your immediate question is: Is the car damaged badly? or Are you all right? tells a lot about what you value. Be sure you are asking the right questions but more importantly, be doubly sure that you have the right godly values in your system.
Enroll in cooking lessons, go and join a skydiving club, go out there and enjoy life and pretty soon you will discover that youre adding strength and resource to your creativity.
You know what makes us different from animals? We are created in the image and likeness of God and God is the Creator.
An amateur is a person who is always giving you the benefit of his inexperience. A professional asks questions before airing out an opinion. An amateur cites clichs and thinks he or she is being wise. A professional evaluates, probes and studies before offering advice. We all start as amateurs but we need to learn and work our way up to being professionals. Make everyday a learning day. 76
Dwight D. Eisenhower says: The history of free men is never written by chance, but by choice their choice. There are many business owners who do not value their peoples opinions. They just want them to be honest but to act stupid or to be stupid. These are owners whose business will never last. Best to have honest cut creative people who are fired up with energy. Even business owners need to learn how to lead.
Many people spend a lot of time on their history. Some do it purposefully with such hobbies as journaling, while others simply write and rewrite their history over and over in their minds. Depending upon the way you go about this, this can be good or bad. If you are doing it so you can reflect back on your life, thats good.
If you are doing it so you can learn from your past, thats good too. Unfortunately, many people do it simply as a subconscious act of running themselves into the ground over and over. What you write in your mind is an act of mental discipline, just as what you write on a sheet of paper is a discipline. Keep that in mind. So if this is true, that we can make a choice as to what we want to write, both literally and figuratively, we have an extraordinary opportunity! Instead of going over and over our past, we can choose to write our future!
I must do something will always solve more problems than Something must be done. I have interviewed CEOs and business owners. Integrity is a given. But the most sought quality they are looking for is initiative. Do not wait to be told what to do. Make things happen. Go and do it.
Have you ever thought about writing your future before it even happens to you? Well now you can and you will! Here is a process that will let you determine and write your own future!
Chris Widener has a very interesting thing to tell. In his weekly e-magazine he entitles this: Stop Just Writing About Your Past and Start Writing Your Future! Listen to Chris:
Choose to choose your own future. If you dont make the decision to accept responsibility for your own future, then you are choosing to not write your future. You must choose to choose. Do you?
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Determine what you want your future to be. Be specific.

What do you want to earn?
their fullest.
And you dont want to forget your weaknesses, even while you are trying to stay away from them. Instead, set smaller goals for improvement in your areas of weakness while you set grand goals for the areas you are strongest in! Get out a three pieces of paper. On the top of one, write, One year from today I will On the next write, Three years from today I will On the last write, Ten years from today I will Then begin to fill them out. Make commitments to yourself. As you write them, end each sentence with a transition to how you are going to do it. For example, you may write, One year from today I will Have $4800 in my saving account by saving $400 per month. Start putting only information into your mind that will benefit the fulfillment of the kind of life you are writing about. For example, if you have a hard time spending money rather than saving it, you should probably cancel all of the catalogues that come each day that entice you to spend. Instead, spend the time you would have spent thumbing through catalogues going through financial growth material instead. 78
Where do you want to live?

What do you want to weigh?
What do you want to do for a living?

What do you want to do in your leisure time?
How much do you want to retire on?

If you dont know the answers to these questions then you may as well not even begin to write your future. Take some time to answer them fully. Get a good understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. If you are going to write your future, you will have to have a sober understanding of what you are good at and what you are not particularly good at. Maybe ask a good friend or your spouse to give you an honest appraisal of your strengths and weaknesses.
Focus on playing to your strengths while ever improving your weaknesses.

Be sure that what you are doing is utilizing your strengths to
Discipline yourself to spend your time in a manner that will help you get to your goals. For example, cut out five hours of television a week and spend that time on your goals instead. That would be a difference of 260 hours in the next year! Wow! What could you do with another 260 hours? Almost anything!
You do not have to be a paper cup blowing to and fro in the wind! You do not have to live at the whims of other people or circumstances. You CAN choose your future! You can write it out just the way you want it to happen! Yes, ups and downs will come but you will outlast them and eventually arrive at your destiny. Then, when you get to the end of your life, you will know how it all turns out because you will have been the author! Get going write your future! Nice advice from Chris but I think he forgot the most important one. Love God and put your faith in Christ. Believe me when you are His child, your name is already written in the Book of Life and thats the best plan for your future that could ever have been written.
Reflect on the duties you have been avoiding today. Face them this week and work on it. You will be happy you did.
A patient limped into the doctors clinic. The doctor gave the patient a large pill. As the nurse asked him questions, the patient limped over to the sink and swallowed the pill. Then the doctor returned with a bucket and said, Now drop the pill in the bucket and well soak your foot. Always wait for instruction or you just may put your foot into your mouth
When an opportunity arises, we need to pray: Lord, let me focus on the good that will be done and not on the gold that would be gained. The heart of the issue is always the issue of the heart.
The three hardest words to say are, I was mistaken. Only people with class are comfortable saying it. Those who pretend to be perfect make themselves objects of ridicule. He who humbles himself will be exalted but he who exalts himself will be humbled.
Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some dont turn up at all. Says Sam Ewig FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence 79
Have you ever met leaders who are gentle and caring? They inspire me all the time. Only the strongest of men are gentle. The brash and the rude use their insolence as a cover for their insecurities. Be wise as a serpent but gentle as a dove.
A friend forwarded me an article that is so interesting I want to share it with you. The title of the article is this. Are you a carrot, an egg or coffee? A daughter complained to her father about her life and how things were so hard for her. She said, Father, I do not know how I am going to make it. I just feel like giving up. Im tired of fighting and struggling. It seems as though every time one of my problems is solved, a new one comes along. I just cant take it anymore.
Leadership is not a title. And neither is it an entitlement. Leadership is not a right. Therefore it is a responsibility. Some bosses behave more like jerks who oppress rather than inspire. These people without skills and they need some serious training.
We all make mistakes. When looking for faults, use a mirror not a telescope. Correct the mistakes, learn from it and strive to do better. This is where we convert mistakes into lessons and weaknesses into strength.
Her father took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed them each on high heat. Soon the pots came to a boil. In one pot of boiling water, he placed carrots. In the second, he placed eggs, and in the last pot, he placed coffee beans. He let them sit and boil, without saying a word.
The daughter impatiently waited, wondering what he was doing. Twenty minutes later, he turned off the burners. He strained the water from the carrots and placed them in a bowl. He lifted the eggs out and placed them in another bowl. 80
The three hardest words to say are, I was mistaken. Only people with class are comfortable saying it. Those who pretend to be perfect make themselves objects of ridicule. He who humbles himself will be exalted but he who exalts himself will be humbled.
Then he ladled the steaming coffee into a bowl.

Turning to her he asked, What do you see? Carrots, eggs, and coffee, she replied. He brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft and mushy. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. She smiled as she tasted its flavor and smelled the rich aroma. She humbly asked, But what does it mean, Father? He explained that each of them had been plunged into boiling water, but each had reacted differently. The carrot went into the water strong and hard but after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its soft, liquid interior. But after sitting in the boiling water, it became hard on the inside. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, the water did not really change them. They changed the water! Which are you? the father gently asked his daughter. When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you more like a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean? When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you more like a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?
How about you? Are you the carrot that started out strong and hard long ago, but with the pain and adversity of your life struggles, did you become soft and lose your strength? Are you the egg that started out soft inside? Were you a fluid spirit, but after the pain of death, abuse, rejection, poor health, divorce, or a layoff, have you become hardened? Your outer shell might look the same, but have you become hard-boiled and toughened in your spirit and your heart? Or are you like the coffee bean? The bean that was plunged into the rapidly boiling water actually changed the hot water and gave it flavor and aroma, reaching its peak flavor at 212 degrees Fahrenheit! THAT IS HOT WATER!
When people say bad things about you, do your praises to the Lord continue or do you blame Him? When the hour is the darkest and your trials are their greatest, does your worship elevate to a higher level or do you desert Him? When you feel burdened by your own troubles, do you still reach out and help others? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean? When you get plunged into hot water, anything that is bringing you pain, like being plunged into the adversities of life, be like the coffee bean. When things are at their worst, you will get stronger and make things better around you, and you will always leave a fragrance. -----------You know what? The article is so nice I dont want to add anything to it anymore. 81
You can read him through his Saturday and Sunday column of the Business Page of the Philippine Star. You can see him as he regularly guests every Thursday morning at the popular morning show Umagang Kay Ganda. He has been featured in many of the major business conventions and conferences both here and abroad. Francis is co-recipient of the Anvil Award for Excellence for the staging of the Dr. John Maxwell Leadership Seminar Series. Recipient of the Year 2006 Gold Quill Philippines Award of merit for Public Speech category sponsored by The International Association of Business Communicators. Recipient of 2008 Dr. Jose Rizal Award for Excellence in the field of Journalism. Francis has been trained and licensed by Maximum Impact of Atlanta Georgia to do the Maxwell leadership programs. He is also Trained and licensed by The Ziglar Corporation in London to do the Ziglar Sales and Presentation programs.
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JULY 2012
FRANCISKONG.COM
for the month of July, 2012.
There are 3 questions we would not want to ask one day: What happened? How did I get here? What was I thinking? Life is a summary of the choices we make from day to day. Make sure you make the right choices every day.
Progress has less to do with speed and more to do with direction. Do not be impatient. Many wrong life decisions are made simply because one could not wait. As long as you are in the right direction, be patient, be diligent, be excellent and enjoy the scenery along the way.
Approach any project or promotions not from the point of having selfish gain, but from the point of serving good. This is why I am so excited to do my monthly two-day leadership seminar workshop and excited to meet the many who have enrolled. This will be physically tiring but with certainty would be extremely fulfilling.
It has been said that every man until today is still trying to live up to his fathers expectations or still correcting his fathers mistakes. I need to be a good father and take my parenting role seriously. Having successful children producing successful homes is top priority in my life agenda.
Hes a character isnt he? I hear that expression all the time.
You can do much by helping people feel better about themselves. Realize that everyone listens to the same radio station almost all the time. The call letters of this station are: MMFG-AM and this stands for: Make Me Feel Good About Myself. Encourage someone today!
Its usually used to describe somebody who seems to act, talk or behave in a peculiar way. But if we go right down to the issue what is character really? A Greek proverb says: Character is habit long continued.
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Listen to what motivator Jim Rohn has to say.

Could creating your character be likened to an artist creating a sculpture? In my opinion, I believe that character is not something that just happens by itself, any more than a chisel can create a work of art without the hand of an artist guiding it. In both instances, a conscious decision for a specific outcome has been made. A conscious process is at work. Character is the result of hundreds and hundreds of choices you make that gradually turn who you are, at any given moment, into who you want to be. If that decision-making process is not present, you will still be somebody. You will still be alive, but may have a personality rather than a character. Character is not something you were born with and cant change like your fingerprint. In fact, because you werent born with it, it is something that you must take responsibility for creating. I dont believe that adversity by itself builds character and I certainly dont think that success erodes it. Character is built by how you respond to what happens in your life. Whether its winning every game or losing every game. Getting rich or dealing with hard times. You build character out of certain qualities that you must create and diligently nurture within yourself. Just like you would plant and water a seed or gather wood and build a campfire. Youve got to look for those things in your heart and in your gut. Youve got to chisel away in order to
find them. Just like chiseling away the rock in order to create the sculpture that has previously existed only in your imagination.
But do you want to know the really amazing thing about character? If you are sincerely committed to making yourself into the person you want to be, youll not only create those qualities, but youll continually strengthen them. And you will recreate them in abundance even as you are drawing on them every day of your life. Just like the burning bush in the biblical book of Exodus, the bush burned but the flames did not consume it. Character sustains itself and nurtures itself even as it is being put to work, tested, and challenged. And once character is formed, it will serve as a solid, lasting foundation upon which to build the life you desire. Right to the point. Jim Rohn always has a way of doing that.
Every single day offers choices we make that either makes or breaks our character. For after all, our lives is simply a summary of the choices we make from day to day. In one of the seminars I gave, somebody stood up to ask me this question: How would I know whether the decision I make is right or wrong?
My answer is this. We all need a reference point wherein we base our moral choices on. Im a Bible kind of guy. I make my decision based on what the Good Book says. And indeed its
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like sculpture. Chiseling away the useless parts and building those that are useful.
Character is defined by what youre willing to do when the spotlight has been turned off when the applause has died down, and no one is around to give you credit. Never forget. It is possible that through ability we may get to the top, but it is always character that would keep us there.
KEEP ON MOVING
I have stumbled into a lot of good ideas for business and I realize one thing: That I can only stumble on ideas if I keep on moving. Mistakes are inevitable but they open up opportunities. Those who stay still do not make mistakes but they dont win either! So keep moving.
DESPERATION
Desperation makes fools out of wise people. Desperation makes people do unethical things. We need to go through the process of dong only that which is right. God is more concerned with our character than our short-term success.
It has been said that A man should be mourned at his birth, not at his death. But how could we not mourn when we suffer a loss? Today this country suffers the loss of a person I highly respect; entrepreneur, educator and family friend Brendan Yu. But his influence, his inspiration and the lives he has touched lives on and multiply.
WHAT IS A COMPROMISE?
Compromise is best defined as finding good reasons to do wrong things. If the heart is not settled on God then it will certainly settle on something or someone else. God should be our dwelling place.
BEST BUSINESS ADVICE

The celebrated business leader of the recent past says: No matter what youve done for yourself or for humanity, if you cant look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished? In my book this is one of the best business advice he has given.
I have made a great discovery! I have discovered who the real rich people are.These are the people who enjoy their families, enjoy their work, enjoy their food and enjoy their day. Be rich today and everyday of your life.
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BETWEEN THE SIMPLE AND THE COMPLEX

The mark of an intelligent person is his ability to simplify the complicated and the mark of stupidity is the one who complicates the simple. Life is simple. Love God love others.
A PIANISTS PATIENCE
The great pianist and composer, Ignacy Paderewski, was once asked by an admirer how he had reached such a state of perfection in his field. It must have involved a lot of patience, the admirer remarked. Everyone has patience, said Paderewski. I learned to use mine.
LOVE WHAT YOU DO

Bob Dylan says: A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do. Do you love what you do or do you only do what you love? Success is not only about doing what you love but learning to love what you do.
WHAT IS A CRISIS?
What is a crisis? A crisis is simply something, someone or some event that comes in between you and your goals unexpectedly. Thats all it is. Your patience will be tested by INTERRUPTIONS, your patience will also be tested by INCONVENIENCES.
POWER AND POWERFUL

Do something good with your power, dont just be good at being powerful. Leaders guide their people to do what is right and not what is wrong. Everything rises and falls on leadership. says John Maxwell and he is so right.
NO LONE RANGER
Small dreams are reached alone. Great dreams require others. You cannot succeed alone no matter how talented or skillful you are.
THE STATION
Here is an old article written by Robert J. Hastings. The title is The Station. I love it as it is filled with wisdom, I hope this material will bless your heart as it blessed mine. The Station Tucked away in our subconscious minds is an idyllic vision in 89
INTERRUPTIONS
Life is a test in patience. And your patience will be tested in four different ways. The first one is INTERRUPTIONS. God usually sends us interruptions to develop our patience.
which we see ourselves on a long journey that spans an entire continent. Were traveling by train and, from the windows, we drink in the passing scenes of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at crossings, of cattle grazing in distant pastures, of smoke pouring from power plants, of row upon row of cotton and corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, or city skylines and village halls. But uppermost in our minds is our final destinationfor at a certain hour and on a given day, our train will finally pull into the station with bells ringing, flags waving, and bands playing. And once that day comes, so many wonderful dreams will come true. So restlessly, we pace the aisles and count the miles, peering ahead, waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.
Yes, when we reach the station, that will be it! we promise ourselves. When were eighteen. . . win that promotion. . . put the last kid through college. . . buy that 500 SL Mercedes Benz. . . pay off the mortgage. . . have a nest egg for retirement. From that day on we will all live happily ever after. Sooner or later, however, we must realize there is no station in this life, no one earthly place to arrive > at once and for all. The journey is the joy. The station is an illusionit constantly outdistances us. Yesterdays a memory, tomorrows a dream. Yesterday belongs to a history, tomorrow belongs to God. Yesterdays a fading sunset, tomorrows a faint sunrise. Only today is there light enough to love and live.
So, gently close the door on yesterday and throw the key away. It isnt the burdens of today that drive men mad, but rather the regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow.
Relish the moment is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24, This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, swim more rivers, climb more mountains, kiss more babies, count more stars. Laugh more and cry less. Go barefoot oftener. Eat more ice cream. Ride more merry-go-rounds. Watch more sunsets. Life must be lived as we go along.[1] Hastings is right. Life must be lived as we go along. Need I say more? [1] Robert J. Hastings
THE PAST
For the lost sinner, the past is a heavy anchor that drags him down; but for the child of God, the pasteven with its sins and mistakesis a rudder that guides him forward. Faith makes the difference.
AUTOMATIC RESPONSES
Impatience comes from our automatic responses. Develop a new way to look at things. This grows our patience. FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence 90
LIVING AND LAUGHING

Those who cant laugh at themselves leave the job to others. Learn to learn from life and to laugh as you live. The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer somebody else up. This makes us more patient.
INVESTMENTS
A person who does not invest will never amount to anything. Before you profit, you should first invest. There is no short cut to success. Short term gains equals long term pains. Start investing in yourself today.
WHOS IN CONTROL?
I am the master of my fate and the captain of my soul. Says Invictus. I did it my way. Croons Sinatra and we know we fail. Try to release our insistence to control and leave it to God who controls everything. This develops patience.
ANESTHESIA
James Simpson, a young Scottish lad was born in 1811. He was the 7th child of a Scottish family. Even as a young boy the entire family saw that young James was a genius. And so the 6 other brothers and sisters together with the father who was a baker running in bankruptcy pooled all of their resources together and supported James in his studies. At the age of 14 he graduated from the University of Edinburough. At the age of 16 he got his degree in medicine. At the age of 18 he had his MRCS. At the age of 28 he became a professor. This young man could not forget an incident in his life. He says that when he walked into his first medical classroom he saw a surgery in operation. A woman found herself in a situation wherein one of her limbs had to be amputated. And James said what happened in that room is something that he would never get out of his mind that day.
LEARN FROM OYSTER

An irritation inside the oyster produces a pretty pearl. Irritations in life can produce strength and patience. Do not let trials pull you down. Allow trials to strengthen you. Stand on what is right. Do what is right not what is convenient.
FACE THE FEAR

To get rid of fear, you need to act on the issue. When you wait, put off or postpone you simply increase fear. Be positive. Develop a positive mindset and disposition. The French writer Robert Mallet said, Many pessimists end up by desiring the things they fear, in order to prove that they are right.
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James saw that the limb was sawed and severed from its body and there was no anesthetic. Nothing there to help alleviate her pain. As this young woman screamed in unbridled hysteria, he just stood there literally swallowing his own spit out of fear because he realized he was seeing such an agony he has seen for years as he gave his life to the medical practice. But as he looked he built up one thing in his mind. He was determined. He determined that he will do something or he will make something that would help alleviate the pain during surgery. One day he discovered chloroform. And he administered it for the first time. And the woman who gave birth, having been administered James Simpsons anesthetic, felt so grateful and so elated she actually called her daughter, Anesthesia. Victory for Simpson? Yes. But as you look into his story further you would realize some more important events that happened to his life. A little boy of his got sick. And despite his medical knowledge there simply was no way for him to cure his son and he lost him. His closest medical colleague a Dr. Liston died rather suddenly. Things like these began to break him and James began his search. And in his search he found Christ. And then his questions were all answered. The principle is so clear. Where there is pain you would find people searching for but
where there is prosperity, you would find people clenching their fists at God.
Brokenness has its use in Gods economy. And maybe this is the reason why there are people who mock God, clench their fists at Him and denounce everything that is associated with Him. Because there is no brokenness and because there is no need. But the same person who refuses Christ is inflicted with a life threatening disease, the hardened heart humbled and softened would begin to seek Him. And I have seen this happen time and time again. However, there are those whose hearts even grow harden when faced with pain. The clenched fists grow tighter and they drive themselves farther and farther away from God. A mystery I will never understand while Im here on this side of heaven. Im glad that many years ago I faced pain and I searched for Him and He found me. Its been years. And God has been merciful and faithful. Seek Christ with all of your heart and you will find Him. Let your pain usher you into His Peace and Comfort. C. S. Lewis says: God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world. The question is, are you listening?
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FUNNYBONE
The wishbone will never replace the backbone. says Will Henry. But to live life with joy, always be conscious you too have a funnybone.
HARD TO RECOVER
3 Things that are hard to recover. 1. Words said in oppressive anger. 2. Opportunity missed because of idleness or fear of inconvenience. 3. Promises made but left unfulfilled. All these devalue a persons character. They will not lead to long term sustainable success.
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Matters which was given a Year 2007 special citation by the Catholic Mass Media Awards.
Francis J. Kong is: President of Success Options Publishing Company President of FunWorks Inc. a member of the Canadian based Mad Science International Group, the worlds number one (1) Science educational-entertainment program provider for kids. Founding member and Director of Inspire Leadership Consultancy Francis has extensive work experiences in manufacturing and retail as he help founded a popular clothing company and ran a retail chain for many years. You can hear him in his daily Radio Program Business
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He is an author of 14 books: His book One Day at a Time has been given a most favorable review by Channel NewsAsia of Singapore. His book The Early Bird Catches the Worm: is now translated into the Korean language. Francis is married to the former Lilia Nolasco and has three children:Bryan 26, Hannah 22 and Rachel 17. For more inspiring words from Francis J. Kong, please visit his personal blog at http://www.franciskong.com.
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AUGUST 2012
FRANCISKONG.COM
for the month of August, 2012.
Do something good with your power, dont just be good at being powerful. Leaders guide their people to do what is right and not what is wrong. Everything rises and falls on leadership. says John Maxwell and he is so right.
A good architect can improve the looks of an old house merely by discussing the cost of a new one. If you can afford it then buy a new house but if you dont then dont get imprisoned in debt and squander your future opportunities.
Do not think youre the smartest in your group. Surround yourself with people smarter, keep your mouth shut, listen and learn. No matter how high our educational attainment is, the fact is that we are all ignorant but only in different subject matters.
Dr. James Dobson says: The key to a healthy marriage is to keep your eyes wide open before you wed and half closed thereafter. so true isnt it? I dont expect my marriage to work and this is why I work on my marriage everyday.
Would you like to be free from stress? Just tell the truth all the time. You dont have to remember what you said the last time. When a person is truthful all of his or her facts will be consistent. Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it.
The Ilocana and I entertained the thought of sending our kids to study in another country. At least for a little while. To have our children travel and experience a change in environment would have been an effective means of education. But we immediately changed our minds the moment we heard of yet another shooting. A smiling kid enters his school, pulled out a gun and methodically shot his friends and classmates. Why? Whats happening to the young people in the world today?
There is a big difference between knowing the truth and living the truth. The biggest distance is about 18 inches. That from the head to the heart. We need to walk our talk and live our lip. Credibility matters!
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An American friend of mine sent me an e-mail and this is his analysis.

In light of the recent shooting in Massachusetts, lets see, I think it started when Madeline Murray OHare complained she didnt want any prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school --The Bible that says, thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said, OK. Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldnt spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem. And we said, an expert should know what hes talking about so we said OK, we wont spank them anymore. Then someone said teachers and principals better not discipline our children when they misbehave. And the school administrators said no faculty member in this school better touch a student when they misbehave because we dont want any bad publicity, and we surely dont want to be sued. (Theres a big difference between disciplining and touching, beating, smacking, humiliating, kicking, etc.) And we accepted their reasoning. Then someone said, lets let our daughters have abortions if they want, and they wont even have to tell their parents. And we said, thats a grand idea. Then some wise school board member said, since boys will be boys and theyre going to do it anyway, lets give our sons all the condoms they want, so they can have all the fun they
desire, and we wont have to tell their parents they got them at school. And we said, thats another great idea. Then some of our top elected officials said it doesnt matter what we do in private as long as we do our jobs. And agreeing with them, we said it doesnt matter to me what anyone, including the President, does in private as long as I have a job and the economy is good.
And then someone said lets print magazines with pictures of nude women and call it wholesome, down-to-earth appreciation for the beauty of the female body. And we said we have no problem with that. And someone else took that appreciation a step further and published pictures of nude children and then stepped further still by making them available on the Internet. And we said theyre entitled to their free speech. And the entertainment industry said, lets make TV shows and movies that promote profanity, violence, and illicit sex. And lets record music that encourages rape, drugs, murder, suicide, and satanic themes. And we said its just entertainment, it has no adverse effect, and nobody takes it seriously anyway, so go right ahead. Now were asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they dont know right from wrong, and why it doesnt bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. 99
I think it has a great deal to do with WE REAP WHAT WE SOW. Listen.

Kids are not a short-term loan, they are a long-term investment! We want whats best for them, we better teach them the Word of God by introducing them to the God of the Word because nothing better ever comes close.
who speaks frankly and truthfully than one who pretends to be gentle and kind but hits people behind their backs. Be truthful all the time.
Somebody says: A smile is the cheapest way to improve your looks, even if your teeth are crooked. Theres just a million and one things to be grateful about. So we put a smile on our faces and to God we give thanks. A smile instantaneously increases our face value and..it could be quite contagious too!
I have observed this truth many times: In many cases, refusal to do what is right is not due to a lack of intelligence but due to pride, envy or greed. The heart of the problem is the problem of the heart. This is why we watch our actions cautiously by watching our hearts carefully.
If you arent fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm. says coach Vince Lombardi. The gap between enthusiasm and indifference is filled with failures. Dont just do what you love. Love what you do.
There are things we should be serious about and there are things we can take lightly. It is the wise person who understands the difference and does what is right all the time. One wise person says: I always knew that looking back on my tears would someday make me laugh, but I never knew that looking back on my laughter would someday make me cry.
Being charming and charismatic is not the same as being trustworthy. In fact the word charisma in the dictionary is located near the word charlatan. I would rather deal with one
A wise man learns by the experience of others. An ordinary man learns by his own experience. A fool learns by nobodys experience. Be willing to be corrected. It takes humility for a person to achieve success.
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Are you fond of trivia? I am. Heres a list of information that may or may not help you but will always be interesting for you to know. Information that covers many subject matters found in America but would be amusing for us to know. The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV was Fred and Wilma Flintstone. Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury. Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better. Coca-Cola was originally green. It is impossible to lick your elbow. The state with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska. The percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28% while The percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38% The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400 The average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000. Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
(That is of course assuming that they have hair) The worlds youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910. The youngest pope was 11 years old. (Im not making this up. Read history books.) The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer. Those San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments. Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history: Spades King David
Hearts Charlemagne, Clubs Alexander, the Great Diamonds Julius Caesar And if you like math, you might be thrilled to know that 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. I am. is the shortest complete sentence in the English language. 101
Hersheys Kisses are called that because the machine that makes them looks like its kissing the conveyor belt.
Question. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what? Answer. Their birthplace Most boat owners name their boats. What is the most popular boat name requested? Answer is Obsession Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common? A. All invented by women. Q. What is the only food that doesnt spoil? A. Honey Q. There are more collect calls on this day than any other day of the year? A. Fathers Day Q. What trivia fact about Mel Blanc (voice of Bugs Bunny) is the most ironic? A. He was allergic to carrots. Q. What is an activity performed by 40% of all people at a party? A. Snoop in your medicine cabinet.
In Shakespeares time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase goodnight, sleep tight. It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the brides father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month we know today as the honeymoon. In Scotland, a new game was invented. It was entitled Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden. and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language. AND FINALLY, Here is a great piece of information you might want to know. Roses are red, violets are blue. Thats what they say, but it just isnt true! Roses are red and apples are too, But violets are violetviolets arent blue! An orange is orange, but Greenlands not green. A pinkys not pink, so what does it mean?
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To call something blue when its not, we defile it.

But ah, whats the differenceits hard to rhyme violet![1]
being equal, the person with a positive attitude WILL get the promotions and the person with a negative one will not.
Work on your likeability factor daily.
Life is beautiful. It is a gift from God.

Live it well and enjoy each moment. Think time is important. Dont go on auto-pilot. There are people who live from day to day without a thought. Guess what? Zombies dont think.
[1] Source: Laugh & Lift, http://www.premiumhealth.com/laughlift/
Have you ever been criticized? Tell me about it. Do not despair. Albert Einstein theories came under attack; an antiEinstein organization was even set up. But Einstein remained unconcerned about these critics. All great people have been criticized and attacked. When a book was published entitled 100 Authors Against Einstein, he retorted, If I were wrong, then one would have been enough!
Success is delayed because of the following things: I cant do it, it wont work, I cant figure it out. There is a way to get through this. Just mentally add one more word. YET I cant do it YET. It wont work YET. I cant figure it out YET. And then carry the resolve to work on it and do not procrastinate. Everything is a mind-set issue. Delay success no longer.
Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character says Albert Einstein. A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. All things FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence 103
Andy Stanley says: You are a unique blend of past experiences, current circumstances, and future hopes and dreams. Wisdom allows you to customize the decision-making process to your specific professional, financial, and relational dimensions. Dont miss this opportunity. Many people are knowledgeable but are not wise. They make stupid decisions. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
3. Be sure to look at the big picture. Getting hung up on the little pieces only leads to frustration.
4. Perseverance pays off. Every important puzzle went together bit by bit, piece by piece.
5. When one spot stops working, move to another. But be sure to come back later (see #4). 6. The creator of the puzzle gave you the picture as a guidebook. Refer to the Creators guidebook often. 7. Variety is the spice of life. Its the different colors and patterns that make the puzzle interesting.
Jacquie Sewell apologizes to Robert Fulghum because she uses his popular book Everything I needed To Know About Life I learned In Kindergarten, reshapes it and came out with an article entitled: Everything I needed To Know About Life I Learned From A Jigsaw Puzzle. Let me share it with you. Here are the lessons: 1. Dont force a fitif something is meant to be, it will come together naturally. 2. When things arent going so well, take a break. Everything will look different when you return.
8. Working together with friends and family makes any task fun. 9. Establish the border first. Boundaries give a sense of security and order. 10. Dont be afraid to try different combinations. Some matches are surprising.
11. Take time often to celebrate your successes (even little ones).
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12. Anything worth doing takes time and effort. A great puzzle cant be rushed.
13. When you finally reach the last piece, dont be sad. Rejoice in the masterpiece youve made and enjoy a well-deserved rest.[1] We can actually learn life lessons from everything that we see around us. We just need to keep our eyes and ears open. I guess one of the greatest tragedies in life is for intelligent people to be very wise and knowledgeable about many things in life except life itself. How ironic it is to find people who have messed up their lives thoroughly and when you study them carefully, they had talent, they had intelligence, they had education but they simply do not know how to live. Intelligent businessmen unfaithful to their wife, abandoning the family and hurting the kids. Educated career people exchanging friendship for the job promotion, talented winos and drug dependents, you see them everywhere. They do not know how to live. Listen. We dont just live our lives naturally, we live it skillfully. Similarly, we dont just expect our marriages to work. We work on our marriage.
This is why Im still learning.

Every morning when I meditate on the Bible I am learning. I talk to the Author and I hear Him talk and Im learning. I choose my books carefully and when I read the experiences and advices from well known authors who have shown a great track record of success in life Im learning from them. When I go to church and I listen intently to the message Im learning. And then, life is no longer an inscrutable puzzle, the pieces begin to fit into place. I guess you understand what Im saying. [1] Copyright 2001 Jacquie Sewell (jsewell416@hotmail.com).
One thing I have observed is that noisy people are not productive. They toot their own horns their voices are loud but they do not perform well. The quiet ones are the dangerous ones. They may be silently accomplishing much and because they are productive, they do not have time to indulge in useless revelries. Be excellent in what you do and here is one important advice I want to share with you: Make a noise quietly.
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You know your children are growing up when they stop asking you where they came from and refuse to tell you where theyre going. I missed all my 3 kids the last 2 days as all 3 were busy in church helping out with the relief goods for the flood victims. No prodding from me as they themselves shelved out money. Makes me so proud. They dont even have to tell me where they are going because I trust them. Trust is the foundation of relationship.
You are not the smartest person in your organization just because you are a leader. A great leader surrounds himself with people who are smarter. And in the process the people make the leader smarter. Humility is a virtue and pride is a weakness.
3 Things that are hard to recover that will have a negative impact on your integrity and reputation: 1. Lies told. 2. Decisions that benefit the self at the expense of others. 3. Unethical practices. Proverbs 29:27 The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.
Dont believe everything people say. Its dangerous for business. The person that agrees with everything with you is either dumb or too smart and hes getting ready to skin you. One businessman says: In negotiations you should be so observant in everything. You must be a combination of Sherlock Homes and Sigmund Freud. This is a fallen world. Only God can see the heart meanwhile we check our own.
REUNIONS
Husband: Dear, do you remember John Williams; the student body president at our high school? I saw him today. Wife: That was 35 years ago.
Do not be in a hurry to buy replacements for things lost in the flood. Start with necessities first, entertainment tools can come later. Do not enter unnecessary debt and create more problems. Make time your friend.
Husband: I know. In fact, he has gotten so bald and so fat he didnt even recognize me. At my age, Ive seen it all, done it all, heard it all. I just cant remember it all. High school reunions reflect lives as summary of decisions they made through the years. 106
Here is a collection of amusing signs and the businesses they represent: 1. From a Plumbing Truck, the sign says: We repair what your husband fixed. 2. Pizza shop slogan: 7 days without pizza makes one Weak (w-e-a-k). 3. At a tire shop : Invite us to your next blowout. 4. Door of a plastic surgeons office: Hello, can we pick your nose? 5. Sign at the psychics Hotline: Dont call us, well call you. 6. At a Towing Company: We dont charge an arm and a leg. We want tows. 7. Billboard on the side of the road: Keep your eyes on the road and stop reading these signs. 8. On an Electricians truck: Let us remove your shorts. 9. In a Nonsmoking Area: If we see smoking we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action. 10. On Maternity Room Door: Push, Push, Push. 11. At an Optometrists Office If you dont see what your looking for youve come to the right place. 12. On a Taxidermists window: We really know our stuff. 13. In a Podiatrists office: Time wounds all heels. 14. On a fence: Salesmen Welcome, Dog food is expensive. 15. Outside a Muffler Shop: No appointment necessary, well hear you coming.
16. In a Veterinarians waiting room: Be back in 5 minutes, Sit! Stay! 17. Inside a Bowling Alley: Please be quiet, we need to hear a pin. In the front yard of a funeral home: Drive carefully, well wait. 18. In a counselors office: Growing old is mandatory, growing wise is optional.
I wish life would be simple. You put up a sign and people would understand you or you put up a sign and things would be all right. But it just doesnt happen that way. Supposed we could be like a computer? If you messed up your life, you could press Alt, Ctrl, Delete and start all over! To get your daily exercise, just click on run! If you needed a break from life, click on suspend. Hit any key to continue life when ready. To get even with the neighbors, turn up the sound blaster. To add/remove someone in your life, click settings and control panel. To improve your appearance, just adjust the display settings. If life gets too noisy, turn off the speakers.
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When you lose your car keys, click on find. Help with the chores is just a click away. You wouldnt need auto insurance. Youd use your diskette to recover from a crash. We could click on send and the kids would go to bed immediately. To feel like a new person, click on refresh. Click on close to shut up the kids and spouse. To undo a mistake, click on back. Is your wardrobe getting old? Click update. If you dont like cleaning the litter box, click on delete. But life is not a computer and neither could putting up a sign makes life all right. Too many people wake up in the morning and allow their lives to run on auto-pilot. We need skills to live life successfully. Attend seminars. Read books. Attend church and pay close attention to what the ministers are saying. And most importantly, read the Bible.
Stay connected to its Author. He created us and He knows whats best for us. And when one day our stay in this planet is over, perhaps the best sign that could speak of us is an arrow that points towards heaven. For that is all that matters.
Wimbledon champion Venus Williams says: So what if you fail? At least youll know what not to do when you try again.
Corrie Ten Boom says: When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you dont throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer. Having problems? Trust in God the engineer.
Success and failures come and go. God is constant. This is how character is built.
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SEPTEMBER 2012
FRANCISKONG.COM
for the month of September, 2012.
Korean proverb says: Power lasts ten years, influence not more than a hundred. You may have power and use it to boost your ego and pocketbook. You may not want to know the conversation that takes place behind your back. Others use influence to touch lives and they will not be easily forgotten. If youre in a position of leadership, you need to know that youre given a stewardship of influence.
the rice to live one more day. He actually had two cups one for collecting money and one for his few grains of rice. But now the prince was coming the wealthy prince! When the prince finally arrived, the beggar mustered his most impassioned appeal Alms! Alms for the poor! And the prince stopped. The beggars heart was pounding furiously.
Give me your cup of rice.
That was all the prince said. The beggar slumped down in disbelief. Here was the wealthiest man in the land, asking for his lousy little cup of rice.
Thomas D Kempis says: Its good for us to encounter troubles and adversities from time to time, for trouble often compels a man to search his own heart. It reminds him he is in exile here, and that he can put his trust in nothing in this world. Troubles in business can bring us closer to God or harden our hearts. Dont be hardened. Stay close to God for He is bigger than any of your problems.
The beggar was about to refuse, but instead he reached in and he put three grains of rice in the princes hand. The prince turned to his servant and said, Bring me the bag of gold. The beggar could hardly contain himself as he eagerly stretched out his empty collection cup. The prince reached into his bag and placed three grains of gold in the beggars cup. And then he disappeared, never to return but leaving the beggar to wonder for the rest of his life . . . what would have happened if I had given him my whole cup of rice.
Do you know why certain people remain poor? Because they are a people of small dreams and little visions. I have met rich people who are insensitive and greedy. Their riches is stuck on the things of this earth and its a sad thing to see them unable to use money but are being used by it. This we understand. While these so-called rich people may be endowed with the material things of this world in all 113
It was many centuries ago in a remote village in India. Word began to spread that something was about to happen that no one had seen in their lifetime the prince was coming to visit their forgotten little village. Everyone was excited but no one was more excited than the village beggar. Every day he eked out another day by sitting by the road with his little cup, hoping to get enough money to buy
reality they are indeed poor.

But you know what breaks my heart? I have seen ministers who never progress. A closer look at it would indicate that they have never given their all.
Its when I see poor people who are so self-absorbed wallowing in self-pity and thinking that the world owes them a living and while we lament the fact that they may not have the convenience of the well-to-do, what I cannot understand is that they are greedy too.
Now some people would say they have to be greedy because of self-preservation. They have very little and thats why they are holding on to it tightly. Yet I have known poor people who are charitable and generous. They may not have the convenience of the wealthy too but they carry joy and peace in their hearts. And I bet you that given time, these people will progress in life because they have understood the law of investment. When you give you receive. When you hold back you are deprived. Greatness of character is never dependent on your tax bracket; it is dependent on the largeness of your heart. The same thing with the Christian life. Only those who know how to give it all, invest all of them to the Living God would ever experience the fullness of life. Those who hold back, unable to let go will never experience Gods fullness of Purpose in their lives.
I have seen Christians who live defeated lives. A closer look at them would reveal that they tend to compromise on their stand.
Coming to God like a beggar is the picture of the part of Scriptures that says: Blessed are the poor in spirit for they shall inherit the kingdom of heave, But when God asks the beggars meaning you and me to hand over to Him our little cup of rice. Are we willing or not?
Simone Kesseler is in the PR business and he says: Every time you answer the phone you have an opportunity to prove yourself. Everything you do is an advertising for yourself, from how you talk to everyone from the teaboy upwards. Everything is positioning, everything is public relations. This is why you treat each person in your organization with respect. Greet and thank them at all times.
Here are some good quips about selling: Sell the benefit, not your company or the product. People buy results, not features. Jay Abraham.
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Boxing promoter Don King says: If you want to sell a steak, you cant just have the sizzle, you gotta have sauce.
And my favorite is: Earl Wilson says: To sell something, tell a woman its a bargain; tell a man its deductible. Features tell. Benefits sell.
Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best. Bob Talbert
If youre not prepared to be wrong, then youll never have come up with anything original. Kids arent afraid of being wrong. Adults are.
If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call to make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting? Stephen Levine
We run companies the same way. We stigmatized mistakes.

All children are born artists; to remain artists as we grow into adult life is a challenge. Weve educated ourselves out of creativity. Creativity is as important as literacy. Treat it with the same status.
We make a living by what we get but a life by what we give. Study as if you were going to live forever; live as if you were going to die tomorrow. Says Maria Mitchell. Live a good honorable life. This is what makes life enjoyable.
The best inheritance you can leave your children is a good example. Shouting to make your children obey is like using the horn to steer your car, and you get about the same results.
The best way to keep children home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant and let the air out of the tires. Dorothy Parker
Getting ready to speak to some 500 Filipino audience in Paris tonight. Wherever we are in the world, we are warm and caring and this is a gift that God has given.
1. Cop-outs. They set no goals and make no decisions. 2. Hold-outs. They have a dream, but afraid of the challenges. 115
Theyve lost their childlike faith. 3. Drop-outs. When the going gets tough, they quit. They dont pay the toll. 4. All-outs. They set goals. They never quit. They keep on keeping on, even when the toll gets heavy. Theyre dedicated. Theyre committed.
We all make mistakes. Not all of us appreciate its value. World champion figure skater Michelle Kwan remembers . . . When I was five years old, the first skating lesson I learned was: how to fall. My instructor was wise. He knew that until I learned to fall, I couldnt learn how not to fall. You see? Your mistakes will be your best friends if you let them teach you. Im sure youve many friends too.
What is the difference between Ability, Motivation and Attitude?

Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you can do. Attitude determines how well you do it. All things being equal, attitude plays the most vital role. Ive known of talented and extremely skillful people who never go far in life because of their lousy attitude.
Youre never too old to become younger. We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. Think Young. Aging is for wine. The old believe everything; the middle aged suspect everything; the young know everything, says writer Oscar Wilde. Actor John Barrymore says: A person is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.
I am so inspired with the warmth of Filipinos here in Europe. In many of my talks, the photo sessions took almost as long as my speech. Laughter, happiness, joy are there. There is eagerness to connect and relate. This is what makes Filipinos unique. Its more fun to be a Filipino!
So tell me now. How young are you?
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more rewarding; believe me.

Am back home from the wonderful European tour speaking to our lovely Filipino community organized by Filinvest International. Every day was inspiring. Will fly to Cebu tomorrow morning and fulfill a business responsibility. ALBERT EINSTEIN had a disregard for the tyranny of custom. Once as guest of honor at a dinner party, he was called on for a speech. Ladies and gentlemen, I am sorry, but I have nothing to say, he said and sat down. Arose and added, In case I do have something to say, Ill come back. Six months later he wired the president, Now I have something to say. Another dinner was held, he made his speech. We always want new things, new cars, new clothes the latest smart phones. But when it comes to friends, we always want old friends because we have shared with them our life and our past. They were friends long before we got famous or wealthy (or poor). And this is why they are our true wealth. Find true friends by being one yourself.
I work fast, I drive myself hard and I really walk fast but this time I could not God is teaching me to slow down. Ever since the Ilocana had her stroke last year; I have to slow down and consider her pace.
Great lesson to learn..we all need to be sensitive to other peoples pace and my impatience will only cause frustration and stress out other people too.
Had dinner with the kids last night. Picked us up from the airport. This got me thinking. Burn the midnight oil. Pull an all-nighter. Sleep at the office. All these may not necessarily be badges of honor. Working more makes me think and feel important. But working harder and working more does not mean you care more or you get more done. It only means you work more and nothing else. Dont bring your briefcase home. Spend time with the kids. Its
I am a public speaker and one of the most important thing I have learned in my life is that people want to be appreciated, not impressed. They want to be regarded as human beings, not as mere sounding boards for other peoples egos. They want 117
to be treated as ends in themselves, not as means towards the gratification of anothers vanity. When speaking express truths and not impress people.
There are 2 kinds of discontent in this world; the discontent that works and the discontent that wrings its hands. The first gets what it wants, and the second loses what it had. There is no cure for the first but success, and there is no cure at all for the second. Learn to be contented with what you have but never be contented with what you can become. The better you become the more you will have.
storefront windows. Why, they are the dirtiest windows in town, he claimed. Fellow business people grew tired of the mans continual criticism and nitpicking comments about the windows. One day over coffee, the businessman carried the subject just too far. Before leaving, a fellow store owner suggested the man get his own windows washed. He followed the advice, and the next day at coffee, he exclaimed, I cant believe it. As soon as I washed my windows, my competitor must have cleaned his too. You should see them shine. No wonder all the windows the critical shop-owner saw was dirty. It was simply because he was looking at them through his own dirty show windows. Now. Doesnt this remind you of many people in the work place?
Critical, negative, nitpicking and you dont like to be near them. Who would anyway?
Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.
You cannot stand out if you constantly try to fit in. Doing right entails courage but the end results will always bring fruits of righteousness. Be brave then You are on Gods side so who can be against you?
I know a businessman who complains all the time. Give him a glass with water in it and hell see it as half -empty, never halffull. Bring him to a movie and hell look at the flaws behind the production of the film. Bring him to church and hell doze off. Later on waking up and complaining that the minister doesnt know how to teach. He sees the whole world as ugly and boring but what he fails to realize is that hes ugly and boring himself. Critical people always point their fingers and put the blame on others. They have forgotten the philosophy behind the pointing finger. That every time you have one finger pointing at somebody you have three other fingers pointing back at you.
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A businessman was highly critical of his competitors
If you dont believe me then try it for yourself.

Confucius once declared, Dont complain about the snow on your neighbors roof when your own doorstep is unclean. Life is short and its a wonderful gift from God. Dont spend and waste those precious moments being critical and judgmental. Try to look at the beautiful side of every person, place and situation and then youll find life exciting. I came across a wonderful poem entitled: Criticism and I would like to share it with you. Credit is given to the worlds most famous author and his name is anonymous. By the way, do you know how sad I feel every time I come across a wonderfully written material and the author could not be identified. But anyway, heres the poem. Listen to it. Enjoy it and learn from it. If an impulse comes to say Some un-thoughtful word today That may drive a friend away, Dont say it! If youve heard a word of blame Cast upon your neighbors name That may injure his fair fame, Dont tell it!
If malicious gossips tongue Some vile slander may have flung On the head of old or young, Dont repeat it!
Thoughtful, kind, helpful speech, Tis a gift promised to each This the lesson we would teach: Dont abuse it! Blaise Pascal says: Cold words freeze people, and hot words scorch them, and bitter words make them bitter, and wrathful words make them wrathful. Kind words . . . soothe, and quiet, and comfort the hearer. And the Word of God in Ephesians 4: 29 says: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Its a beautiful day after all! Being positive is a choice. Start this week on a positive tone and be thankful we have work to do. Start this week with this thought: Big people are always giving someone credit and taking blame; little people are always seeking credit and giving blame. FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence 119
Every time I talk to students and ask them a question: What is love? invariably someone in the crowd would shout: Love is blind. And I will say that is the most stupid understanding of what love is. Most love people know is selfish. The God-kind of love isnt! Here is my take on this: Love is what is left of a relationship after all the selfishness has been removed. And Louise Beal says it right: Love thy neighbor as thyself, but choose your neighborhood.
A fellow walked up to a panhandler and politely remarked: Youre not too old and you look reasonably fit. Why dont you try to get a job? I cant. I inherited this business from my father. Fathers should be intentional in shaping, molding future winners in their kids. No business or profession is more important than this.
The people to worry about are not those who openly disagree with you, but those who disagree with you who are too cowardly to let you know. And then they move silently underground. Always do what is right even if it is unpopular.
From one of my favorite web sites Wit and Wisdom comes this beautiful article by Donald & Vesta Mansell in Sure as the Dawn.: I want to share this with you. Many years ago in one of the Southern states, a woman from the city and her country cousin were traveling in a horse-drawn carriage through a dense forest when darkness overtook them. There was no moon, only a bit of starlight. Soon it was impossible to see the road. The city dweller became a bit frightened when she thought they had lost their way, but her country cousin seemed unconcerned. She stopped the horse, stepped to the ground, walked around a bit, and came back, saying she had found the road. She got back into the carriage, and they continued on their way. 120
Always show up early. Had to re-purchase another set of plane tickets for Singapore because the accompanying credit card number was not made available by the organizers who invited me. Lesson learned. Have to check details like these. Fraud is prevalent and other countries do not have requirements like ours. The PAL staff was sympathetic and handled the situation well.
As they went along, the city dweller noticed by the dim starlight that her companion, instead of looking down at the ground, was looking up. Why, she asked, are you looking up when the road is below us?
Because, her friend explained, that is the only way I can tell where the road is. The trees have been cleared to make way for the road. On a night like this it is impossible to see the road, but by looking up I can tell where the road is by the stars in the open sky. This is the way it is on the road of life. As we travel along, there are times when trials and perplexities close in around us as black and impenetrable as the darkness in a dense forest on a moonless night. At such times many lose their way but this need not happen! When the downlook, and even the outlook, are dark and forbidding, never forget that the uplook is bright.
career people unfaithful to their companies and professional people short changing their clients. Enough reason to make you feel that the whole world is caving in.
But just as the skies are dark, the stars shine the brightest. Just when the outlook is bleak and the downlook permeates the more we need the uplook. Oswald Chambers says: A saints life is in the hands of God as a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see; he stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says, I cannot stand any more. But God does not heed; he goes on stretching until his purpose is in sight, then he lets fly. We are here for Gods designs, not for our own. Charles Haddon Spurgeon says: As sure as ever God puts his children in the furnace, he will be in the furnace with them. Friends, you many not like what I have to say but I can assure you everything that is happening is good for our country as long as we learn the lesson and we put our trust in Him. Hope for the best; get ready for the worst; then take what God chooses to send. In Him, you will never fail. So look up. [1] By Donald & Vesta Mansell in Sure as the Dawn, copyright (c) 1993 121
Take comfort in the fact that the darkness and the light are both alike to God (Ps. 159:12). He can see when we cant see a thing. Even when the sun is shining and everything seems bright and clear, it is always wise to look to heaven, where God rules, for no road is safe unless He is guiding.[1]
What a beautiful article wouldnt you agree? At a time when everything seems bleak; one look at your local newspapers and you get this fuzzy little feeling like theres no more hope for this country. Political leaders not after the good of our country but after their own petty personal agenda, business people insensitive to the needs of their employees,
Many have been betrayed and cheated by the people they trusted. But the law of sowing and reaping will always apply to cheaters sooner or later. Meanwhile it would be good to heed this sagely advice. Frank Crane says: You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you dont trust enough. Learn from the experience but do not abandon trust. Here is my take on this: Trust in God but lock your doors. One principle that I have learned in life is that knowing the truth and living the truth are two different things. Old clich but rings true we need to walk the talk but lets just add one more thing we also need to live the lip. Building trust takes time. Destroying it takes a second.
Youve failed. So what? I have. Thank God! Ive learned..and now I win! This is how it works! Keep on going and the chances are you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I have never heard of anyone stumbling on something sitting down. Charles F. Kettering So be encouraged. Keep on learning!
Wheres home for you? a stranger asks a fellow traveller on a plane. Wherever she is, comes the reply, as the man points at his wife..says Robert Fulgum I fly to Davao tomorrow morning, do a talk and then rush back in the afternoon and proceed to Baguio to do talks on marriage Saturday and Sunday. I love doing this. Because The Ilocana is with me and that is where home is.
Respect is more important than fame, credibility more important popularity. Be sure that youre seeking the right things. Seek quality rather than luxury. Seek refinement rather than fashion. Seek respect rather than popularity. When your words do not match your actions and your lips do not match your life, then no one would respect you. Its like somebody saying Id kill for a Nobel Peace
Teenage pregnancies in this country is now second highest through South East Asia? Isnt this shocking? Now this is one thing that is not More Fun in the Philippines.
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Many young people mistake sex for love. When the love from the parents is full, then they dont need to look for it somewhere else. Invest in your family all the time and the best thing to do for our kids is to love their mom!
Because he knew the high cost of getting even. Clever bear!

Undoubtedly he learned the hard way. Strange that we humans often arent as smart. Sometimes we carry grudges for years, often repressing them from conscious memory, and end up hurting ourselves more than the ones we would like to get even with. We fail to see how damaging an unforgiving spirit is. In his book, None of These Diseases, Dr. S.I. McMillen says, Medical science recognizes that emotions such as fear, sorrow, envy, resentment and hatred are responsible for the majority of our sicknesses. Estimates vary from 60 to nearly 100 percent. I read about one patient who was told by his doctor. If you dont cut out your resentments, I may have to cut out a part of your intestinal tract. Fortunately the man took the doctors advice. He had been nursing a bitter grudge against a former business partner. He went to see this man, resolved their difference, and forgave him. When he returned to the doctor, his physical condition had cleared up. Smart man! The reality is what we fail to forgive keeps us bound to and by the past. Forgiveness sets the hurt person free. Thats why Jesus told Peter we need to forgive seventy times seven; that is, to keep on forgiving so we dont become bitter and resentful.
A man lay on his deathbed, harassed by fear because he had harbored hatred against another. He sent for the individual with whom he had had a disagreement years before; he then made overtures of peace. The two of them shook hands in friendship. But as the visitor left the room, the sick man roused himself and said, Remember, if I get over this, the old quarrel stands. [1]
Talk about forgiveness. Or the lack of it rather. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. says Paul the Apostle in (Ephesians 4:32) From the Web Site Wit and Wisdom comes this beautiful observation. Some years ago during a visit to Yellowstone Park one writer observed that the only animal the grizzly bear would share food with was a skunk. It wasnt that the grizzly bear wanted to share his food but rather that he chose to. With one swing of his powerful paw he could have crushed the skunk. So why did he allow the skunk to eat with him?
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Buddy Hackett says: Dont carry a grudge. While youre carrying the grudge the other guys out dancing.
Mahatma Gandhi says: he weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. William Arthur Ward says: Forgiveness is a funny thing-it warms the heart and cools the sting. And all of these are wonderful suggestions but heres the most important one: Jesus Christ says in Mat 6:14 If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. And so its our choice really and I do hope and you and I would learn to make the right choice.
[1] G. Ray Jordan - James S. Hewett, Illustrations Unlimited (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 1988) p. 216.
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OCTOBER 2012
FRANCISKONG.COM
for the month of October, 2012.
Zacharias should be understood by the young and old alike.

I spoke to more than 300 college students yesterday. Ran out of time and the kids were all wonderful.
Cheer up! Remember today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. Last weeks schedule was heavy. But God has blessed each one. And now its a brand new week and it starts with this wonderful day.
What drives you? What keeps you? What is the purpose and meaning behind what you do?
These are questions we all need to answer. You and I need to be Purpose-Driven and not Pera-Driven. God has not called us to be successful. God has called us to be faithful.
You cannot serve two masters. Either you serve God or you serve money and the worst of them all is when people serve money and uses God as an excuse for his or her greedy heart. Stay away from these people. They misrepresent the Name they profess.
Have you ever met people who insist on being right even though he or she is clearly in the wrong? They are so despicable arent they? Humility is not in them and their pride and stubbornness is just a disguise for their insecurity. You and I cannot be right all the time. Only God is. And this is why we need to be willing to accept correction. Here is a worthy saying: There is something wrong with you if you insist on being right all the time. 129
Love is a command, not just a feeling. Somehow, in the romantic world of music and theater we have made love to be what it is not. We have so mixed it with beauty and charm and sensuality and contact that we have robbed it of its higher call of cherishing and nurturing. This statement from Ravi
ponderosity.
Let your conversational communications possess a compacted conciseness, a clarified comprehensibility, a coalescent cogency, and a concatenated consistency. Eschew obfuscation and all conglomeration of flatulent garrulity, jejune babblement, and asinine affectations. Let your extemporaneous descanting and unpremeditated expatiation have intelligibility and voracious vivacity without rodomontade or thrasonical bombast. Sedulously avoid all polysyllabic profundity, pompous prolificacy, and vain vapid verbosity. A heart that is not settled on The Lord will always settle for something or someone else. How much of God is there in your life? Is God just an 8am service in your day? Maybe 10? 12? Let God rule in your heart every moment and yes..dont forget to go to church. Sounds Greek to you? You bet. Now lets simplify it. With all the words I said, it simply means in short: Be brief and dont use big words. I have been asked this question frequently. Francis, as a public speaker what tips could you give me to improve my speech? I have also experienced being invited to an event. And then the guest of honor arrives late, destroys the whole program, sends the organizers into a state of panic and then advised me that my original talk of 45 minutes will now have to be delivered in 10 minutes. Isnt that frustrating? But these are the realities of life.
Cant wait to speak tonight in Waterfront Hotel Cebu. This is what I have been called to do and this is what delights me every time I do it. Any man or woman who has a sense of calling and destiny finds joy, meaning and fulfillment in his or her labor. And they can hardly be stopped.
Let me try to impress you with the following words I will use. Now listen to this carefully and figure out if you can decipher it. Here goes: In promulgating your esoteric cogitation or articulating your superficial sentimentalities, and amicable philosophical or psychological observations, beware of platitudinous
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If you want my advice allow me to offer them to you. Well, I wont pretend to be an expert but there are 2 strong ideas regarding public speaking and here they are: Make sure you have finished speaking before your audience has finished listening, says Dorothy Sarnoff. In other words, do not bore them to death.
Constantly talking isnt necessarily communicating. Make sure that you are giving out words that would benefit the audience and not yourself. Learn to use an economy of words to deliver a profound message. The famous motivational speaker Denis Waitley says only a mere 3,000 words separate the winners from the losers and so the moment you increase your vocabulary arsenal you automatically increase your intelligent quotient. Consider these: - Pythagorean theorem: 24 words - The Lords Prayer: 66 words. - Archimedes Principle: 67 words. - The 10 Commandments: 179 words. - Lincolns Gettysburg address: 286 words. - The U.S. Declaration of Independence: 1,300 words. - The U.S. Government regulations on the sale of cabbage: 26,911 words. Maybe what this means is that the lesser the words, the more efficient things are? I really dont know.
SAY IT WITH FEWER WORDS is an article written by Patricia Fripp. It deals with communications. Patricia says: Youve got a great, major presentation, and suddenly youre asked if you can get your message across in five minutes! Dont panic. For todays television generation, sound bites can be more powerful than lengthy dissertations. Heres how to compress your speech without losing impact.
1. Dont apologize or mention that you usually have much more time. Be confident that you can communicate in five minutes. 2. Begin fast. Start with an attention-getting statement such as, Your job wont exist five years from now, or In the next 5 minutes I want to convince you the best action you can take is 3. Use a strongly visual story. Illustrate your points how it is now, how it will or could be with a story so vivid that the audience can see it. 4. Divide your 5 minutes into three parts. Present a problem, a payoff, and your point of view: The number one piece of advice I can give you today is, your story illustrates your idea and your walk away line could be what will happen if they do what you suggest! Ever wondered why Jesus spoke so few words yet the lessons are so profound they outlast time? Thats how it is done. So learn from the Master Himself. 131
The main factor that separates the good from the great is the heart factor. If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way. The difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary is that little extra. Put your heart into it.
A Swedish proverb says: The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm. Some people are so dependent on others they even allowed others to do the thinking for them. Learn to be self-reliant. Have faith in God but do hard work to achieve great things.
Off to Baguio today and prepare to speak to the business community tomorrow.
One of the greatest perks of my life is to meet new people. The downside of this is that it is extremely hard for me to remember names and faces. I guess when you meet hundreds of people every week, you just have to cope. But I learn from them in every encounter and this is such a great bonus for me! Make each day a learning day!
There is one common thing with people who fail in life, career, business or marriage and family. They fail because of their pride, ego and unwillingness to accept correction. Humility is key virtue needed for success.
Dont feel entitled to anything you didnt sweat and struggle for says Marian Wright Edelman. The person who bullies his or her way to obtain an advantage is a cheat and a loser. Same thing for people who grab the credit and the account from others. They close their own doors for future opportunities.
I like what management expert Ken Blanchard says when he said: EGO in the negative means Edging God Out when the right kind of ego means Exalt God Only. The world would be a better place if only humility and not ego reigns.
Here is a great lesson I have learned. When great men fell they fell not because of their weaknesses but they fell in the area 132
of their strengths. This is why we need to surrender our strength and abilities to God who gave it to us in the first place. This gives us the humility to experience long term sustainable success.
The dangers to a mans fall is unguarded strength and untamed passions. Watch yours.carefully!!!
with this conclusion: The advantage of exercising every day is that you die healthier.
Another person says: I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me. And this is my personal favorite: My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. Shes 97 now, and we dont know where the heck she is. It takes an enormous amount of self-discipline to stay healthy. While I get to be invited to speak on vital life issues and principles on how to be successful in business and in professional life, I would not forget to mention that once health is neglected and sickness comes then everything weve worked for amount to very little. One wealthy businessman says: I can assure you that there is no glamour in a 14 karat golden bedpan. Last year The Ilocana and I made a tour of 12 European cities and I had the privilege to speak to more than 5000 Filipinos courtesy of Filinvest Sales International. It was memorable experience for us both. I experience the warmth, the hospitality and most importantly the hunger of our people to learn.
Gods Word and Gods laws are intended for our pleasure. Doing things His way brings us perpetual novelty. Do what is right, pure and godly. You would not want to go to the dark side. Go to church today and be refreshed!
What does it take to be healthy and to stay healthy? Answer? Self-discipline. One businessman said: I joined a health club last year, spent about Twelve thousand Pesos. Havent lost a pound. Apparently, you have to show up. Another one rationalizes: I dont exercise at all. If God meant us to touch our toes, he would have put them further up our body.
One stoic looking person thought long and hard and came up FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence
That was 15 months ago. This time we were invited back. My first speaking assignment was to train the leaders of this organization and the event was held in the lovely city of Prague. And then we proceeded to Paris, Brussels and London
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to do the public events where almost a thousand people attended.

What a joy it is to see familiar faces that journeyed with us last year as I spoke to our OFW community, embassy officials and community leaders. After pleasantries were exchanged and the never ending photo sessions concluded, I saw a need that made me change a major part of my lesson and shifted to a lot of talk and tips on how to keep ones self healthy. Its amazing what a difference a year makes. Many of these talented leaders are successful. Their income has increased, their targets reached and are excited to achieve even more but it takes someone from the outside like me to see them 15 months later to notice the additional weight they have accumulated over that short period of time. This time I taught on how important mind, body, soul and spiritual health development are all integral towards ones quest for success. And I seriously emphasized the need to be healthy and to stay healthy.
wellness these days because health is an investment we need to make and we cant afford to lose.
The good thing about all these is that these leaders in Europe are serious in learning and they have committed to lose their weight and stay healthy. Even before the event finished, they have committed to run their own version of The Biggest Losers Program and apart form just gaining sales and hitting targets, this time they will hit another target which is by losing weight and I have no doubt that should I get to meet them again next year, they would all have turned healthier, better looking, trim, fit and achieving more than they could have ever imagined. Meanwhile, you and I put on our exercise gears, take a lot of vitamins and nutritional products, eat right and make this Godgiven life productive.
People ask me where I get the energy to do more than 330 talks in a year. Well its no secret. I watch what I eat. I exercise. I take in a lot of vitamins and with the grace of God maintain a healthy lifestyle. Health is now a priority in my life. I have endorsed a shoe brand, I have endorsed a luggage brand and I have endorsed a technology shop and lately (with permission to mention) I have endorsed Conzace a multi-vitamin brand that offers enough amount of Zinc as a vital part ingredient for nutrition. I am more determined to promote health and
There is a thin line between being persistent and being stubborn. You may be optimistic but if you are not realistic then you will make a wrong decision. Check your heart motives.
To be debt free is good and financial independence should be understood in a better way. If money is your hope for 134
independence, you will never have it. The only real security that a man can have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience and ability. says Henry Ford If you want to feel rich, just count the things money cant buy.
Most people think that their lives would improve if they could get a little from those who have more. How much better could it be if only the same people could learn a little from those who know more.
This is a very timely reminder for me: A Brilliant Mind is useless without a Humble Heart. You make an IMPRESSION with what you SAY but you make an IMPACT with what you DO.
Somebody says: Some people choose to focus on pain, misery and despair while others focus on joy, happiness and possibilities? This is why some people live and stay in the past while others are excited about the future. This is the power of attitude. Life is not what happens. Its how you take it.
On the outskirts of town, there was a big old pecan tree by the cemetery fence. One day two boys filled up a bucket with pecans and sat down by the tree, out of sight, and began dividing the nuts. One for you, and one for me. One for you, one for me, said one boy. Several were dropped and rolled down toward the fence. Another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He slowed down to investigate. Sure enough, he heard, One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me. He just knew what it was. Oh my, he shuddered, Its Satan and the Lord dividing the souls at the cemetery. 135
Have you ever been under a boss who acted more like a jerk than a leader? Have you ever resigned from your job simply because you could not stand your boss?
Jerks like these do a lot more damage to the business because they drive away their assets. Find a way to have them trained for leadership skills. Respect them still but make sure you never become like them one day.
He jumped back on his bike and rode off. Just around the bend he met an old man with a cane, hobbling along.
Come here quick, said the boy, You wont believe what I just heard. Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing up souls. The man said. Beat it, kid, cant you see its hard for me to walk? When the boy insisted, the man hobbled to the cemetery. Standing by the fence they heard, One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me. The old man whispered, Boy, youve been tellin the truth! Lets see the devil himself. Shaking with fear, they peered through the fence, yet were still unable to see anything. The old man and the boy gripped the wrought iron bars of the fence tighter and tighter as they tried to get a glimpse of Satan. At last they heard, One for you, one for me. And one last one for you. Thats all. Now lets go get those nuts by the fence, and well be done. They say the old guy made it back to town 5 minutes before the boy.
Are you afraid of ghosts? Dont be. Be afraid of men rather than ghosts.
Ive been fooled, swindled, cheated, deceived and taken advantage of by men but never by ghosts. My Bible tells me to resist even the Devil himself and he will flee from me. It's human beings we need to be careful about. Halloween is coming. I dont exactly like it. Movies, television and cable stations begin to show all those creepy, scary and mindless little movies about ghosts and monsters scaring the living daylights out of our kids and messing up proper theology. Having fun in one thing but to begin to espouse a certain kind of belief because of it is another. Here is a short discourse on its source and history. A long time ago, the ancient pagan Druids of Great Britain began their year on the first day of November. On the eve of the last day of the year the ghosts, the spirits and the witches were supposed to have had their last fling of the year. And the Druids built bonfires to scare them away. The Roman Catholic Church, in the 700s, set aside the first day of November for honoring all saints. It was called All Saints Day. The evening before became known as All Hallows Eve. Thus the custom of the pagans and the celebration of the church were combined into the holiday we now call Halloween, and its celebrated on the 31st day of October. 136
The children of Scotland were the first to use jack-o-lanterns. And the Irish started the custom of going from house to house to ask for food and money. But it was the Americans who originated the playing of pranks. If given a treat, thered be no trick. Their cry was, Trick or treat! And Filipinos, the perennial copycats that we are celebrate Halloween too without understanding.
What bothers me is the theology behind. The Bible says that it is appointed for man to die once and then comes immediately, the judgment. So its either the eternal microwave oven or eternal presence with the Lord Jesus Christ. No in-betweencreatures. And this is why Im not afraid of ghosts. Its really the men I did business with that scared me. Funny but when I get around to think deeper on this. It just occurs to me that they look scarier than the ghosts too. Especially when theyre cheating in business. Trick or treat?
this day and the rest of the week with this thought.
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. says Helen Keller. If I look back today, the good things I now enjoy are the byproducts of the challenges I endured. Stick to God and stick to good and He delivers.
Pleasing God is the most exhilarating experience of them all. This is what worship is all about. Go to church today and start this week refreshed. There is nothing better and more important than having an intimate one-on-one relationship with Jesus Christ.
Watch out for temptations. When something carries the potential to destroy us it always looks beautiful. And when we have bitten the forbidden fruit thats when sin rears its ugly head. Think of the consequences of our actions. The words Bahala na has destroyed countless lives and many have not yet learned.
Flight to Butuan cancelled. Frustrating not for me but for the delegates awaiting. Realities of life. Bad weather conditions A poor man can be happy; but a happy man isnt poor. Start FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence 137
but I would rather be down here feeling a little bit frustrated than to be up there rolling in turbulence.
Life is not what happens, its how we take it. God always has a better plan.
supernatural things as Halloween approaches.

Do not be afraid of ghosts. Be fearful of people who are dishonest. I have never heard of ghosts who are corrupt but I have heard of ghost projects. There are people who do more harm to others than ghost. Can you think of one?
Cant wait to be with the mechanical engineers in their convention tomorrow morning and cant wait to speak to the men of Alliance tomorrow evening. Each day is a gift from God and I love to make the best of it for His sake.
There is no fellowship between light and darkness. Right and wrong cannot co-exist and if it does is called compromise. Be honest. Be truthful and do not stand unrighteousness. Choose what is right all the time. This builds character and leads to long term sustainable success.
What if? Worrying about the future. If only Words worrying about the past. Meanwhile we let the most important resource slip out of our hands the Present. God is in the details. This is why He feeds the birds. Put your trust in Him and carry the power to live one day at a time.
Here we go again.all the media hype about ghosts and
This is a great piece of advice. somebody says: First I was dying to finish high school & start college. & then I was dying to finish college & start working. & then I was dying to marry & have children. & then I was dying for my children to grow old, & finish school. & then I was dying to retire. & now, I am dying & suddenly I realized, I FORGOT TO LIVE Each day is a gift from God. Live it well. 138
Malcolm Muldgridge, perhaps considered as one of the most respected Christian with a brilliant mind of the 20th century tells us his own story.
Heres my question. How does an ordinary man become an extraordinary person? ORINARY MEN BECOMES EXTRAORDINARY WHEN THEY UNDERSTAND THE RIGHT PRIORITIES, AND WORK ON THEM. [1] There are extraordinarily good people and then again there are extraordinarily people who are evil too. In a book entitled Ordinary Men authored by historian Christopher Browning touching on Holocaust, one critic said: The most frightening aspect of Brownings book is the knowledge it conveys to us that it was not a few brutes, but many good and ordinary men, who committed murder for Hitler. It is a story of a time when he was a journalist in India, and left his residence one evening to go for a swim. As he entered the water, across the river he saw a woman bathing. Muldgridge impulsively felt the allure and temptation of the moment. He had often felt this kind of struggle but had resisted because he was a married man. On this occasion, however, he wondered if he could cross the line of his conscience, and swam furiously toward the woman. His mind fed him the fantasy that stolen waters would be sweet. Finally only a few feet away from her, he emerged from the water and looked at the woman. At once he realized that he was looking into the eyes of a leper a toothless old woman was grinning at him. He was gripped with disgust and thought, What a dirty lecherous woman! when suddenly the rude shock of it dawned upon him. It was not the woman who was lecherous; it was his own heart. Jeremiah says it correctly. In the Bible the prophet says the heart of man is deceitfully and hopelessly wicked. This is why ordinary people become extraordinarily evil. How then can an ordinary person turn out to be an extraordinary servant of God? 139
One might think that the men who engineered such atrocities were somehow of a different breed, perhaps genetically predisposed or psychologically imbalanced. I do not mean to mitigate the power of false beliefs or influence of a mob mentality, yet I cannot escape the fact that those capable of such ghastly acts against millions of people were, by all accounts, ordinary men.
Let me tell you how. When that person understands priorities. Let me give you a list of it.
In our relationship with God: 1. Its Worship before Work 2. Attitude before Activity 3. Its being Gods Son before being Gods Servant 4. Enjoyment of God before Enduring for God 5. Being before Doing 6. Obedience before Sacrifice 7. Fruit of the Spirit before Gifts of the Spirit
8. Prayer comes before Planning 9. Faith comes before Logic

In Our Life With Others: 1. Forgiving comes before Correcting. 2. Contributing to others comes before Competing with Others. 3. Humility towards others comes before Authority over Others. 4. Gentleness comes before Firmness with Others. 5. Relationship comes before Organization. 6. Appreciation comes before Judging Others.
In our prayer life and bible study: 1. Listening to God before Asking from God 2. Gods Word before Tradition of men 3. Spirit of the Word before Letter of the Word 4. Facts before Feelings 5. Heart before Head
In our work for God: 1.Gods will before our desires 2. Holiness before Evangelism 3. Making Disciples before Getting members 4. Teaching before Socializing 5. Quality before Quantity 6. Motive comes before Methods 7. Faithfulness comes before Success
Perhaps just like me, you need only to look as far as your own life to see that your heart is bent on following its own devices and falls short of what God intends.
But God stands ready to forgive sin and offer new life for those who honestly seek Him. He has the power to change ordinary men into becoming extraordinary beings provided we know the priorities.[2] By the way, the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.
Victor Hugo says: The future has several names. For the weak, it is the impossible. For the fainthearted, it is the FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence
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unknown. For the thoughtful and valiant, it is ideal.

The future always looks bright for me because I know that God has a plan for me a plan for success and not calamity but I need to align my actions with His will in order for this to happen. Look at today as valiant and the rest of the week as ideal and the rest of your life as Fulfilled!
They are so absorbed with style they forget to work on the substance. They live on debt, they wear signature clothes and accessories they cannot afford it.
Be real. Be authentic. Be simple. Be frugal. Be wise.
What we know limits what we can imagine. Be wary of the experts in your work place. They have a position to guard. Young kids dont. Do not presume to be an expert. Always have a beginners mind.
I am currently being offered a wonderful opportunity to communicate. Technically, I have never done this before but I am so excited with the challenge. Gives me another opportunity to stretch and learn. Stretch and learn this should be the way to level up!
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for the month of November, 2012.
The living dead and the zombies I see do not make their dwelling in cemeteries, many of them are behind their office desks. And there are bosses who act more like jerks and vampires who suck the lifeblood out of their people. Halloween exists every day in many work places. Do you agree? This is why training is necessary.
These days are best spent with the family and to reflect on what is important. Every family tree always produces nuts. So enjoy each others differences and express love in the strongest way possible. Do not let these days go to waste.
The real content of the heart is shown during the times prosperity. When we are poor we are humble. When we prosper we may become different. This is why we need to prepare our hearts even before we prosper. If the heart is right, even when things go wrong they will turn out right but if the heart is wrong, even the good things done will become wrong. The heart of the problem is the problem of the heart. But we immediately changed our minds the moment we heard of yet another shooting. A smiling kid enters his school, pulled out a gun and methodically shot his friends and classmates. Why? Whats happening to the young people in the world today?
Today is a luxury for me. I have time to prepare my materials for the radio, script for TV and the preparation for my once-ayear BIG EVENT for March 1 next year. Ive got great new lessons & great speakers to inspire people to become better and achieve success. It takes a lot of time to prepare for a good thing. And the preparation for me is everyday, holidays included.
Somebody says, I put a mirror on my TV set. I wanted to see what my family looked like.
There are 2 constants in life. Most people would say that the 2 constants in life are death and taxes. And they are right but allow me to make a twist out of this clich. The 2 constants in life is not just death and taxes, the two constants in life is that there is a God and you are not Him. 146
But going back to the other 2 constants. Death and taxes. In my mind it simply means undertakers and tax collectors would have to classify in this category too. Death and taxes. Undertakers and tax collectors, they make quite a pair.
It makes me wonder what Jesus saw in Matthew. A tax collector. A scum of the earth. Despised and hated by his fellow Jews because collectors during those times could pocket as much as they can after they have fulfilled their quotas for the Roman government. People ducked when they saw collectors coming. Not only was Matthew a tax collector, he was a public tax collector. Some collectors did their business underground. They hired runners to do their dirty work Matthew did his own.. He was the leech at the bottom of the pit. He pulled his top of the line Super Saloon Limousine right into the busiest commercial districts, set up his table and held out his hand. And thats when Jesus called him. HRD practitioners all over the world would shake their heads in unbelief. How can anyone decide to recruit a tax collector to do the work of evangelism? But on the other hand, you have to wonder what Jesus saw in Matthew. Look at him. Dirt under his nails. Callused hands. Holes in his sandals. No headquarters. No office. No committee. No clout with the local church. The clergy wont give him the time of day His followers look more like porters in a harbor or pool sharks than seminarians.
And thats nothing. Imagine this carpenter claiming to be the Messiah?

Quite a pair, these two. You have to wonder what they saw in each other. whatever it was, it mustve been something. Matthew heard the call and never went back. He spent the rest of his life convincing folks that the carpenter was the King. Jesus gave the call and never took it back. He spent his life dying for people like Matthew, convincing a lot of us that if he had a place for Matthew, he just might have a place for us. Quite a pair, Jesus & Matthew.
These keen observations from Max Lucado made me think. As I flipped over the pages of his Inspirational bible, I smiled to myself. Matthew was the scum of the earth, he exhibited his mischief publicly. Crude. No finesse. So unlike me.
While Matthew was the scum of the earth I was the toast of the town. Young, ambitious, graduated top of the school and rubbing elbows with models and celebrities. Matthew did his atrocity in public, I did it in private. Cheated on my wife, cheated on practically every business deals I entered into. Bought my business friends and corrupted them in the process. But thats the way of the world I reasoned and I guess I was right. But something happened some 20 plus years ago. This underground scum of the earth met the Lord Jesus Christ and 147
has been His since then. Theres a marked difference between Matthew, the tax collector and me. Matthew responded to the call when the human hands of the carpenter called him. This criminal in his executive suit responded in faith to the Resurrected Christ.
Matthew and Jesus. Francis and the Risen Christ. They sure make quite a pair.
Beware the opportunist: he has no use for people he cannot use.

Avoid people like these but more importantly make sure we do not become like them. Be kind. Serve and always do good without expectations of rewards for there is One who will. Make this day productive!
Youll do quite all right so be in Him too.

There is a big difference between praise and flattery. Praising comes from an honest and humble heart. Flattering comes from deceitful and a defective heart. This is why Wendell Philips says: Many men know how to flatter. Few men know how to praise. Check the heart motive at all times for after all, God sees the heart.
Do not be disappointed when people shoot down your ideas. The biggest person with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest person with the smallest mind. Think big anyway.
Who is a faultfinder? A faultfinder is a person with a bad memory who never remembers the good, or a person with a good memory who always remembers the bad. Do you know of anyone in your life who is like this? Be a good-finder. And make this world a better place.
I have an observation: no matter how rich, powerful, brilliant or influential a person is, that person cannot escape the fact that he or she has a God appetite within. Its a beautiful day. Pray, go to church and be in intimate in fellowship with Him.
Beware of a manipulator: he shakes your hand one minute and pulls your leg the next.
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impress us with their marvelous technological advances not only in the movies but in home entertainment and video games as well. This is why Max Lucados story in his book entitled God Came Near could propel us to one of those funny computer animated cartoons in our imagination as he tells us the story of the 4 candles. Let me share it with you. Lucado says:
A few nights ago a peculiar thing happened. An electrical storm caused a blackout in our neighborhood. When the lights went out, I felt my way through the darkness into the storage closet where we keep the candles for nights like thisI took my match and lit four of them I was turning to leave with the large candle in my hand when I heard a voice. Now, hold it right there. Who said that? I did. The voice was near my hand. Who are you? What are you? Im a candle. I lifted up the candle to take a closer look. You wont believe what I saw. There was a tiny face in the wax.a moving, functioning, flesh like face full of expression and life.
Dont take me out of here!

What?
I said, dont take me out of this room!

What do you mean? I have to take you out. Youre a candle. Your job is to give light. Its dark out there. But you cant take me out. Im not ready, the candle explained with pleading eyes, I need more preparation.
I couldnt believe my ears. More preparation?

Yeah, Ive decided I need to research this job of light -giving so I wont go out and make a bunch of mistakes. Youd be surprised how distorted the glow of an untrained candle can be.. All right then, I said. Youre not the only candle on the shelf. Ill blow you out and take the others! But just as I got my cheeks full of air, I heard other voices. We arent going either!
.I turned around and looked at the three other candles.You are candles and your job is to light dark places!
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Well, that may be what you think. Said the candle on the far leftYou may think we have to go, but Im busy.Im meditating on the importance of light. Its really, wellvery enlightening..
And you other two, I asked, are you going to stay in here as well? A short, fat, purple candle with plump cheeks that reminded me of Santa Claus spoke up. Im waiting to get my life together. Im not stable enough. The last candle had a female voice, very pleasant to the ear. Id like to help, she explained. but lighting the darkness is not my gift..Im a singer. I sing to other candles to encourage them to burn more brightly. she began a rendition of This Little Light of Mine.the other three joined in, filling the storage room with singingI took a step back and considered the absurdity of it all. Four perfectly healthy candles singing to each other about light but refusing to come out of the closet.[1] One thing I like with Lucado is that he uses words and pictures to make you see. But I guess youre beginning to get the point arent you? So many reasons, so many excuses yet instead of Christians who are called to be light of the world go out there and show light and warmth you have them bunched together worrying
about their own petty little things, confined in their petty little worlds.
Let me add 4 more candles I know: The first is the Legalist candle. They dont want to do their jobs because according to them, the world deserves their darkness. Let judgement come to them. The second is the Scholar candle spends most of his time in the library poring over voluminous books. Still understanding the true meaning of darkness in Greek and Hebrew. The third is the Talented candle She sings only to a select crowd. Her favorite songs are: You light up my life and Come On Baby Light My Fire.. And then there is the Gracious candle He lets his life be burned and used up to bring light to a dark and cold world. Question: When was the last time you presented the gospel to someone? Are you scared to be the light-giver that God has created you to be? Pray today that God would bring you opportunities to share your faith and give you the courage to take them. Now step out in faith and keep your eyes open!
So let your light so shine so that the world may see your good deeds and glorify god who is in heaven.
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Talk to your people today but let them talk about themselves and you genuinely listen. Make this the theme of this week and you will be surprised at how much you could learn.
Some people pay their bills when due, some when overdue, and some never do. Fulfill obligations. Protect the name. Its more precious that gold and silver.
"Whats the difference between crime and politics? In crime, you take the money and run
I hope that this time, the elected officials will be people of honor and integrity and most importantly, people who genuinely love our country dont you? I do.
A church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. says L. L. Nash. Dont go to church today if you think youre perfect. You should be crucified instead. Go and be refreshed.
Somebody asked me: Francis, how much time do you set aside for study? I thought about it and I guess this is really how it is: I study all the time and the few times that I do not I am doing something else.. Life lessons never cease. We just need to observe and absorb.
Start this week by being positive. Dont worry too much about people who keep on slandering. If you are not noticed then you are not efficient. Remember: When you are being kicked from behind, it means you are in front of the pack.
Henry Ford says: It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste. Spend your time learning. Be productive. This is wealth management.
The worst thing about history is that every time it repeats itself the price goes up. And now its Php12 Billion and counting! So victimized by scams and Ponzi schemes. The recent one is terrible. My heart goes out for them. Why do things like these keep on repeating? Please give me your thoughts and opinions.
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Tough times? Say this: This is temporary. Rock bottom? No way else to go but up. Trust God to get you through. Never give up hope.
and give credit to God. Tests and Blessings. They form who we are and what we become.
Today marks my 301st talk for the year. I love what I do and do what I love. This is why work is never work for me. Do not do what you love but learn to love what you do.
What are the things you keep? Some people collect coins, other stamps. And then there are those who keep their baseball or NBA cards. We never know. But the question I want ask you is this. What do you keep? Heres a touching article written by an unknown author entitled: Some Things You Keep. Listen to this carefully.
"A friendship founded on business is better than a business founded on friendship says John D Rockefeller. So be careful. Many a friendship has been betrayed because of business. Do you know of any?
Some things you keep. Like good teeth. Warm coats. Bald husbands.
Theyre good for you, reliable and practical and so sublime that to throw them away would make the garbage man a thief. So you hang on, because something old is sometimes better than something new, and what you know is often better than a stranger. These are my thoughts. They make me sound old, old and tame, and dull at a time when everybody else is risky and racy and flashing all thats new and improved in their lives. New careers, new thighs, new lips, new cars. The world is dizzy with trade-ins. I could keep track, but I dont think I want to. I grew up in the fifties with practical parents -a mother, God bless her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, 152
If you want something youve never had, you need to do something youve never done. You cannot have a different result when you keep on doing the same things. Choose to change.
Every blessing is a test on our character while every test is a blessing in disguise. When we have challenges, lessons are being taught, when we have blessings, we need to stay humble
then reused it and still does.

A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones. They werent poor, my parents, they were just satisfied. Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers and tee shirt and Mom in a housedress, lawn mower in ones hand, dishtowel in the others. It was a time for fixing things a curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress. Things you keep. It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that refixing, reheating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant thered always be more. But then my father died, and on that clear autumn night, in the chill of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isnt any more. Sometimes what you care about most gets all used up and goes away, never to return. So, while you have it, its best to love it and care for it and fix it when its broken and heal it when its sick. Thats true for marriage and old cars and children with bad report cards and dogs with bad hips and aging parents. You keep them because theyre worth it; because youre worth it. Some things you keep. Like a best friend that moved away or a classmate you grew up with, there are just some things that make life important. people you know are special. and you KEEP them close!
End of article.
And so, back to the question. What are the things you keep? Money in a bank? That magnificent piece of diamond you bought from Tiffanys? Not necessarily bad but not very important either. Theyre just expensive but theyre not important. What I would like to keep is friendship with people. Id like to keep those precious moments our small group share once a week when we would just take time out, sit in one of those coffee shops, discuss important issues in life, share Gods Word and have a good time. Id like to keep those precious memories of my kids growing up, those days I started courting my high school sweetheart who would one day turn out to be the mother of my kids. Id like to keep the company of those wonderful church folks I mingle with. These are the things I like to keep but most importantly, I would really love to keep my love for God growing stronger and stronger every day. I would like to keep my pledge of faithfulness to my wife and keep my promise to my kids that they do not have to be afraid that one day their dad will no longer go home.
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Let me tell you a story.

Joeys teacher sent a note home to his Mother saying, Joey seems to be a very bright boy, but spends too much of his time thinking about girls. The Mother wrote back the next day, If you find a solution, please advise. I have the same problem with his Father. Thats the one thing I dont want to keep.
Your attitude is more important than your skills. Work on it more. It opens to a world of opportunities. All things being equal the person with the better attitude gets promoted. All things being not equal the person with the better attitude STILL gets the promotion.
My Mondays and Thursdays start 3:45AM as I get up early and prepare for Umagang Kay Ganda (UKG). Love the discipline of having to hit the bed early. Rising up early and doing so much work. Always learning!
If you have been criticized and charged with many things; their opinion is not your reality. Continue the work. Positive people influence. Negative people tear down. Stay positive yourself!
A miser one who lives poor so that he can die rich. I wonder why the root word of MISERABLE is MISER & ABLE. Be generous today and for the rest of the week. Be a cheerful giver and open doors to greater blessing. Time, talent and treasure, these are things you can share.
Bite-size wins today lead to BIG-time championships tomorrow. Dont shy away from work. Just get things going and get things DONE!
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for the month of December, 2012.
Be careful who you share your weaknesses with. Some people cant wait for the opportunity to use them against you. In my experience most people do and only a few can be trusted. Have you ever had one of these nasty experiences? Learn from the lesson.
His forgiveness. I was seated across a very successful businessman in an Italian restaurant and I never had any idea that our talk would take an entire 4 and a half hours.
He was troubled. Had problems with his finances like most business people do today. But as we talked about a lot of things the one thing that struck me was when he said, You know, Ive done some very crazy things in my life before I became serious with God. I love Him and I know that He is punishing me for that. No wonder the guy was troubled, Hes got a faulty theology. And this is no time for me to offer comfort. This is the time for me to correct his views on God. He must have seen the sudden serious look on my face when I said, Listen, youre wrong.The moment you accepted Christ you have been forgiven. All of your sins, past, present and future. Thats what the cross is all about. Thats why He died for you. You may have done stupid things in the past and perhaps youre still paying the consequences for such but thats not Gods punishment upon you. And then I had to spend a lot of time talking about Gods forgiveness. The businessman is not alone. Guess how many people walk the streets everyday carrying the excess baggage of guilt and fear in their lives ignorant of Gods forgiveness. People who are in Christ some times forget to wear their badges. You know what that badge is? Its the assurance in the Book of Romans wherein Paul says, there is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. And maybe this is why they have no joy in their lives.
I dont know what the day holds but I know Who holds the Day. Love God. Trust God. Go to church today.
A woman is dying of AIDS. A minister is summoned. He attempts to comfort her, but to no avail. I am lost, she said. I have ruined my life and every life around me. Now Im going painfully to hell. There is no hope for me. The priest saw a framed picture of a pretty girl on the dresser. Who is this? he asked. The woman brightened. She is my daughter, the one beautiful thing in my life."And would you help her if she was in trouble, or made a mistake? Would you forgive her? Would you still love her? Of course I would! cried the woman; I would do anything for her! Why do you ask such a question? Because I want you to know, said the minister, that God has a picture of you on His dresser. [1]How important it is for people to know that accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior means accepting the love of God and
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Oswald Chambers says: The most marvelous ingredient in the forgiveness of God is that he also forgets, the one thing a human being can never do. Forgetting with God is a divine attribute; Gods forgiveness forgets.
George Arthur Buttrick says: God does not wish us to remember what he is willing to forget. Some times human beings are more unforgiving than God but that doesnt change His character. So, the next time you feel that God could not love you and would not forgive you, remember that He has a picture of you on His dresser. [1] The Jokesmith, Published by Edward C. McManus, 44 Queens View Road, Marlborough
excellent customer service. Bulgogi Brothers in Greenhills 5 is one of them. My family and friends enjoyed it last night and I am going back there with new friends. Businesses that really take care of their clients get more business and this is inevitable.
One of my favorite words is Chill! It has helped me in many difficult situations. Here is a question I need to ask myself constantly: Francis, are you working hard or should you rather wait? There are things you can work for there are things you have to wait for. Wise people know the difference. Maybe you can find this useful. So chill!
Take some time to think. A minute of thought is worth more than an hour of talk. Some people just talk and talk without thinking while wise people think first before they open their mouths. Do you know of such people? When you wake up in the morning with a grim determination to improve you will go to bed with the full feeling of satisfaction. What areas of personal improvement should I work on today? A good start towards long term success.
The successful person will tell you: I got to the top fighting laziness and ignorance everyday.
Every now and then I will feature excellent businesses and
Laziness is defined as: Getting into the habit of taking a rest even before youre tired!Where do you usually find lazy people? Tell me all about it.
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And then the philosopher says: The advantage of exercising every day is that you die healthier.
Anger is a fascinating thing. The language you use when you are angry is your first language actually. And here is another thing about anger: Never forget what someone says to you when they are angry because that is usually when the truth comes out. But this one is my favorite. Somebody says: My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. Shes 97 now & we dont know where she is! If you are in your late 20s and you do not exercise, chances are you wont notice anything. If you are in your late 30s and you do not exercise you will notice that you are beginning to develop muscles in the wrong places mostly in the stomach area and they are really fats. When you reach your 40s all sorts of sickness begin to surface. You begin to experience funny pains and aches in the different places of your body. When you reach your late fifties you begin to pay. All those years of neglect and harmful lifestyle will begin to take its toll on you. And when we reach our 60s you probably will run out of resources to payfor the medical bills. I have seen good people lose their entire lifetimes savings because of poor health and meanwhile their cardiologist buys a brand new Mercedes Benz. I have a weighing scale in my bathroom. I make sure I weigh myself same time every morning in order to monitor my weight. There was a time when I had to squat down just to see the numbers on my weighing scale. I take my vitamins daily. I take lots of them under a doctors supervision. There is no one pill that can provide everything I need, I take vitamins in its right dosage including Zinc which I 161
Procrastination is a success-killer. Because of this many have been turned into murderers. They kill time. One of the most dangerous words you can use is the word Later. One of these days is none of these days and there might not be one.
When it comes to exercise, I find that many people come up with the craziest reasons and cook up creative excuses for not exercising. One businessman friend of mine says: I am in shape. Round is the shape. Another one says: Ive started an exercise program. I do 20 sit-ups each morning. That may not sound like a lot, but you can only hit that snooze button so many times. An honest one among them said this. I dont exercise at all. If God meant us to touch our toes, he would have put them further up our body.
find is in sufficient dosage in Conzace, a brand I use every day. I stay away from sweets, I exercise regularly and I watch carefully what I eat. How else would I be able to do more than 300 talks, trainings and seminars in a year and travel the world in doing so?
This reminds me of a story wherein the bathroom scale manufacturer was very proud of the new model being introduced at the trade fair. Proudly, the manufacturer said in his well-prepared sales pitch: Listen to these features: its calibrated to one hundredth of a pound; it can measure your height as well, in feet or meters; it gives you a readout via led and it can even tell your weight by means of a human-voice simulator. Very impressive, says an overweight prospect. But before I place an order would you mind if I try it out first?
numbers.
Its easy to add pounds and but its so difficult to lose them. This is why exercise takes a lot of discipline and determination but its good for us. It teaches us to prioritize the important things in our lives. Health is wealth yet only a few are serious enough to take care of this investment. Make sure you do.
If I go to bed early to be in shape for a speaking engagement next morning, the more I should tonight because tomorrow I go to church. Somebody says Give God what is right.not what is left. So true isnt it?
Be my guest, said the manufacturer graciously.

But no sooner had the overweight spectator taken his place on the scale than a loud, synthesized and computerized human voice loudly announced: One at a time please, one at a time! As a result, there was no sale that day. One woman said, I noticed my husband standing on the bathroom scale, sucking in his stomach. Thinking he was trying to weigh less with this maneuver, I commented, I dont think that is going to help. In victory as in defeat, Manny displays tremendous grace. That for me is the character of a true champion. Wouldnt you wish political candidates who lose would behave the same way? With grace, honor and dignity just like our boxer Manny? Thats my wish.
Its not just talent. Its not just smarts. You need to be determined. Determination trumps smarts any time all the time. Be determined to be successful today and every day of your life. Sure it does, he said. Its the only way I can see the FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence 162
Remember this: The day goes slow but the years go fast. Make every moment count. The way you spend your time is the way you spend your life. Dont waste life. Suddenly my kids are all grown up and I am glad had great moments with them.
Never make the mistake of falling for cute looking guys who are irresponsible. You will regret this for the rest of your life! Do you agree with this line of thought?
Those who have been hurt deeply, God can use greatly. There is no testimony without a test, no message without a mess. So true isnt it? Dont forget to go to church today. Convictions will always be tested. And when you stand on it you are STRENGTHENED. When you compromise you are weakened. Be brave & strong. Never find good reasons to do wrong things. You better watch out, You better not cry, You better not pout, Im telling you why It wont look good on your personnel record.
I am a fan of Michael Jordan but I am a follower of Jesus Christ. This is the difference between knowledge and intimacy. Do we simply know God or are we intimate with Him? Big difference between the two! Dont lose Jesus in the midst of all this Christmas celebrations.
I have the best pick-up line for single men and here it is: Ive got a job! My most important advice to my two daughters:
The latest thing in other countries is for young boys to have naked pictures of their girlfriends in their cell phones. NOT COOL! This is so stupid and dumb. The body should be a private garden reserved for the one we will enjoy in marriage, not a public park for the mob to exploit, loiter an litter. 163
When somebody calls you, text you, or left you a message then you should call back, text back and give a reply. This is being ethical, respectful and polite. If you dont do this then youre not. Its a weakness of character. A block for tomorrows success opportunity.
what do you do with people like these? Actually, these are the exceptions. Most people I know are polite and decent so concentrate on the beautiful and not on the ugly! And always thank God that He equips us to see the difference.
Thank you! These are two words used too often it may have lost its luster. To make it work it has to be specific. So let me put this principle into practice. I would like to close the year by saying: THANK YOU 1. For the leadership and staff of FunWorks for making this year the best year ever. Rara has done a great job and has brought inspiration to everyone in the company. 2. For the young but dedicated and hard-working staff of Inspire Leadership Consultancy. They have gone through the process of reorganization and did it so well, obtained so many new clients. The ever charming GM Binky has performed way beyond our expectations. 3. For Ana Cristobal for patiently managing the book sales and collections and for being strict yet deep inside, remaining as one of the kindest people in planet earth. 4. For all those who keep on viewing this page providing me the inspiration and encouragement to continue doing what I am doing. And this even include the hecklers and the jesters who has given me more reasons to understand that the work of inspiring people needs to continue. Have a Blessed Christmas and by the way --- the world will not end today. It is just the beginning of another beautiful life ahead. 164
Havent you noticed with the way we watch television? Three channels are no longer enoughwe need a hundred and three now. And the entertainment hunger still cannot be quenched. Just when we need to spend more time and moments reading intelligent books and doing more thinking. Such a waste of resource.
Have you ever met people who behave more like jerks rather than humans? They crack jokes and they think theyre funny but they come across as insulting and offensive. They may have education yet they do not have culture. So
power but salvation. This is the true reason for the season. Have a Blessed Christmas!
This is what I have learned: GRATITUDE GENERATES GENEROSITY!!! I still have so many people I need to thank. My small group, my closest friends, my high-school friends and many others.
Christmas. Celebrationspartiesgiftsdecorations and so forth and so on. Look at the storeshave you realized how commercialized Christmas has become? A GRANDMOTHER took her grandson to see Santa Claus in a department store after purchasing about a dozen Christmas gifts. Santa gave the boy a little present.
Time to bring my family for a vacation. I may be out of touch for a day but once I land and settle down I will immediately do what I love doing.touch base with you through FB.
It was a long flight, it was stressful and tiring but the moment the plane lands, clearing immigration and customs; and you see the welcoming arms of your loved ones saying: Welcome all your tiredness disappears. NOTHING BEATS FAMILY! Happiness is not based on money and the greatest proof of that is our family! says heiress Christina Onassis. If you have a happy family, you have happiness in a great measure.
What do you say to Santa? prompted grandma.
Charge it, said the little boy.

In our country the economy is not in a very good shape. The times are hard but not hard enough to stop people from celebrating. Somebody says: I never knew how hard the times are until I got to talk to Santa Claus. I asked him how Rudolph is and he says, Delicious!
Jesus was born in a borrowed manger and He was buried in a borrowed tomb. A poor mans borrowed manger and a rich Now heres a funny article I got from the Internet authored by mans borrowed tomb. Jesus did not come to teach us to be Laura Walton and she persists in believing that Santa Clause is powerful but to be humble? His gift to us was not wealth and FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence 165
a woman. I went through it and I laughed at it. Because it seems to make sense. So why dont I share this with you and you be the one to decide whether Santa is indeed a woman or not.
Heres how it goes: Santa is a womanIm convinced it must be true. So many things he takes credit forMost men just will not do. He spends his days in shopping mallsPassing out candy and gum sticks. He gabs with moms and kids alikeAnd takes great party pics.
sloppy Yes, Santa Claus there is a VirginiaAnd a Mary, Sue and Jane You must know all of them quite wellFor you are much the same
Santa has to be a womanIts the only thing thats right Who else would work on holiday presentsAll hours of the night[1] End of article. Noware you convinced that Santa is probably a woman? And here are other reasons why Santa cant possibly be a man: Men cant pack a bag. Men would rather be dead than caught wearing red velvet. Men would feel their masculinity is threatened, having to be seen with all those elves. Men dont answer their mail. Men would refuse to allow their physique to be described even in jest as anything remotely resembling a bowlful of jelly. Men arent interested in stockings unless somebodys wearing them. Finally, being responsible for Christmas would require a commitment. Now dont take this seriously. I dont believe in an overweight person wearing red pajamas with a stocking on his or her headI believe in Jesus born as a baby during the first Christmas as Gods grace and mercy to send us a Savior because you and I are dead in our sins. Jesus not Santa. And this is the serious part. [1] Copyright 2000 Laura Walton. Permission is granted to send this to others, but not for commercial purposes. 166
Santa always keeps a listAnd always checks it twice. Why, isnt that the storyOf every womans life? Santas into arts and craftsHes always making toys And he keeps tabs on all the neighborhood kidsKnows the nice girls and boys
Santa likes to decorateThey say he has a flair He can do the trees all by himselfKnows which ornament goes where, Santa does not mind asking directionsTheres a lot of deliveries, you know To houses all over the universeIn cities high and low Santa makes a fashion statementThat few other men would copy In a fur-trimmed suit of velvet redNever wrinkled, never
When man reaches out to God and he never could, God is pure and holy and His standards are just too high, then that effort is called religion. When God in His mercy reaches out to man because of His love, sending His one and only son Jesus to die for us on the cross, then that is no longer religion, that is called CHRISTMAS!
A student gave this teacher a beautiful seashell as a gift. When asked where he had discovered such an extraordinary shell, the native said he had walked many miles to a certain bay, the only place where these shells could be found. The teacher was deeply moved and told the young man how much he appreciated his gift, to which the native replied, Long walk, part of gift. Its not the price of the gift but the long walk behind it.
A Blessed Christmas to you all! Okay. Now that the world did not end on December 21, lets just be wise and live each day as if it were the last. This way we do only that which is meaningful.
People who grow the most are people who have been pushed the most. Dont be afraid of challenges. Learn, grow and be spectacular this coming year. Those who go through life with the minimum amount of challenges are the those who exhibit the least amount of growth. Comfort destroys usefulness.
Just attended the wonderful Christmas Eve service at Menlo Park and John Ortberg reminds us that the very first Christmas was not a time of peace but of turmoil yet God declares the words: Do not be afraid! Some may be hurting, some may be sad but God is with us. Do not be afraid.
As the year ends, there will be massive media hype on predictions and fortune-telling. Much like the Mayan calendar thingy. I love the philosopher who said: Shallow people depend on luck, intelligent people believe in cause and effect. Luck is when preparation and opportunity intersects. As for me, its very hard to reconcile Gods sovereignty and luck. Time to grow up!
A story is told of a teacher in Africa taught the nationals that people gave each other gifts on Christs birthday as an expression of their joy. FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence 167
following list of wishes for the New Year: May your hair, your teeth, your face-lift, your abs, and your stocks not fall; and may your blood pressure, your triglycerides, your cholesterol, your white blood count and your mortgage interest not rise.
As the year comes to a close, there are bridges we must cross and there are bridges we must burn. Ask God to give us the wisdom to know which is which. Burn the bridges of bad influences and bad habits. Cross the bridges of labor and discipline to be more productive for service. Love God, love family, serve the community and country as these bring in joy and fulfillment. Have you considered which bridges to cross and which ones to burn? The process is not easy but necessary. May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, your cardiologist, your gastroenterologist, your urologist, your proctologist, your podiatrist, your psychiatrist, your plumber, and the BIR. May you find a way to travel from anywhere to anywhere during rush hour in less than an hour, and when you get there may you find a parking space. May December 31 find you seated around the dinner table, together with your beloved family and cherished friends, ushering in the New Year ahead. You will find the food better, the environment quieter, the cost much cheaper, and the pleasure much more fulfilling than anything else you might ordinarily do that night. May you have the strength to go through a year of electoral campaigning, and may some of the promises made be kept. May you believe at least half of what the candidates propose, and may those elected fulfill at least half of what they promise, and the miracle of reducing taxes and balancing budgets happen. May what you see in the mirror delight you, and what others see in you delight them. 168
The text messages are coming while my family and I (minus my son who is busy preparing his latest Crazy Katsu branch) are in California enjoying our family vacation. Around this time of the year I get greets from friends and families wishing me a prosperous New Year and these greets come in many forms. One of the favorites of mine which is credited to anonymity has really made me laugh and made me think. Perhaps this will also be your reaction as I share this with you. Several years ago, someone (author unknown) composed the
May the telemarketers wait to make their sales calls until you finish dinner, may your checkbook and your budget balance, and may they include generous amounts for your church and charities.
May you remember to say I love you at least once a day to your spouse, your child, and your parent(s). You can say it to your secretary, your nurse, your butcher, your photographer, your masseuse, your seamstress, your hairdresser or your tennis instructor, but not with a twinkle in your eye. May we live as God intended, in a world at peace with the awareness of the beauty in every sunset, every flowers unfolding petals, every babys smile and every wonderful, astonishing, miraculous beat of our heart. May God bless you with happiness, great health, peace, and much love during the next year and all those that follow. To the list above I add one thing:I pray also that you will have greater understanding in your heart so you will know the hope to which he has called us and that you will know how rich and glorious are the blessings God has promised his holy people. And you will know that Gods power is very great for us who believe. (Eph. 1:18-19, NCV) Now do you see what I mean? Who can ever beat this kind of New Year Greeting?
Dont sell yourself short. Your life is more interesting than you think. This is why reality shows sell. Time to level up this New Year! There is no such thing as an unimportant day. As you end the year with reflections, you start the year with hope.
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2012

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

A compilation of post from the personal blog of

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

A compilation of post from the personal blog of

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

And what about future products?

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

A compilation of post from the personal blog of

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

Clearly, the woman is still the boss around the house.

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

A compilation of post from the personal blog of

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

the Rise on Sunday will give you hope.

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

A compilation of post from the personal blog of

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence

FrancisKong.com | Inspiring Excellence