In the RED

So it's my last year receiving red packets this lunar new year. The ironic thing is that it's been one of my best financial hauls this year of the pig. Given the economy's all powered up to thrust ahead, but I suppose it's because my family has you could say, doubled. While not officially family yet, Dorcas' side of the family had a part to play in the bonus, coupled with the fact that some relatives are rejoicing early with me about our marriage. But it's a good start to opening a joint account I suppose - praise God from Whom all blessings flow! No more packets for me till the little Leongs I suppose. ;p

That Alf-looking creature you see sits on my PC at work and I thought my sunnies looked cool on him (gee! didn't know our head sizes were that close). There he sits holding out red packets and ready to give it away to any passer by. I guess I'll be in his position this time next year! But God willing, I won't be just sitting around looking cool but still purposefully employed.

Our engagement ceremony in the Caribbean happens a week from now and we're naturally excited. It'll be a milestone as we make a public commitment to each other in love in front of our family and relatives! I'm sure either/both of us will update you about our engagement thereafter. Watch this space and the pressed leaf.

Blessed Lunar New Year to you!

Now for Later

Had an opportunity to meet my financial adviser (who happens to be a friend) earlier this week, and among the matters we spoke about after dinner were the premiums everyone pays now for the benefits and payouts they are entitled to receive later. What finances you commit to now is for a future disbursement. He went through my financial portfolio, taking into account both insurance and investment policies. Essentially, what you sow today is what you reap the morrow.

How true it is of our relationships - How kind or curt we are toward people will begat similar expression and reaction. As much as believers are told to turn the other cheek, retaliation and giving a 'taste-of-your-own-medicine' is a gross disgrace of human tendencies. But returning to the issue of insurance (which one major MNC has chosen to reflect as 'assurance' rather than 'insurance' in its name), it's that done deal of security now that stretches down the years, offering you peace of mind knowing that all's provided for. It's all covered. Nothing more to pay. This induces that state of peace-of-mind. I relate it to a faith that's unmovable, where everything's been done, sealed and guaranteed. The price is paid, the work is done and the deal is closed. Is your faith all of that?

Last week, an interviewee I hosted on air last year emailed to inform that her teenage son Sam had suffered a relapse of a cancerous tumour and was due for a major surgery. This followed the release of her book last year "Sam - A Mother's Journey of Faith" charting her rollercoaster ride of emotions when Sam was first diagnosed in Secondary 3 with Hodgkin's disease. It was a trying time and this latest piece of news was a second serving of the same bitter taste. But the sweetness came out of the fact that her faith and her son's were firmly placed, secured and well-assured. She wrote in her email to me that "he (Sam) is clear this is his journey of faith, just as the last was very much mine". Now that IS assurance! The balm of a promise in Jeremiah 29:11 that says "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Let's examine if our trust is placed on the Rock, misplaced or displaced? What gives you your sense of security? And just how solid and resistant is it to the storms of life?

As for Sam, join me in uttering a prayer of physical healing for Sam and that this will be another precious faith-booster for mother, son, you and me.