WISDOM

King Solomon may be the wisest man who ever lived. Unfortunately, in his later years he messed up big time!
Solomon was seriously distracted; lost his vision, mission and great commission. That was sad. It was said he died young probably with much regret.

We, too, have amazing gifts, talents and special skills which we might not even know of! Do not be anxious, impatient for these to surface nor expect an explosion of genius overnight. That won't happen. Do the mundane, go about our busyness and business with zeal, diligence, enthusiasm and excellent spirit. Enjoy our work. Find our niche; stay alert; listen to the whispering of our heart; the inaudible small voice that beckons:
Ready - Get Set - GO; that's you in full flight!

A word of caution: Land safe and wise, do not end up another king Solomon...
OUCH!

ICONIC

My early years were mostly influenced by characters depicted by Laura Ingalls (Little House), Maria von Trapp (Sound of Music), Eliza Doolittle (My Fair Lady), Emma Peel (Avengers) along with some other interesting TV, movie and fiction characters. These were women who weren't categorized as 'normal.'

Then came Princess Diana who defied and challenged convention. That didn't augur well. Nevertheless her life captured women's imagination and won the hearts of multitudes. Mother Teresa brought out the best in me!
Then I discovered Maya Angelou who brought out the 'naughty' me! She's sharp, sexy, witty, uninhibited, bold, daring, brash and couldn't care less what people think of her.

From early childhood, to adolescence, to the forties right through to middle age, I've observed, learned, polished, adjusted and adopted some (good and bad) of these iconic figures' thoughts and attitudes. Works for me! Can't say my life is boring. In fact it gets better, more exciting and invigorating as Time Goes By ......
Blessed and blissful.

GRACE

The cliche :"Go where you are celebrated" is priceless and offers invaluable advice!
By all means be in company where you have acceptance, approval; genuine affection and welcome respite! 
Make no mistake, applause and accolades will not be handed to us freely. Strife, pain, hurt and suffering of all forms and in varying intensity will follow us all the days of our lives. We will be plagued by innumerable hardships, confusion and chaos in our relationships - (business, personal, marriage, siblings/families etc) - careers, health issues, financial challenges, conflicting political and religious views.
Life will mostly sucks!
So, when you find a place - a state of mental, spiritual, physical, social wellness - of solitude, security, assurance and freedom, visit often. 
Surely, we covet overflowing GRACE:

G - goodness, mercy and favor
R - richness in compassion
A - angelic protection.
C - Christ centred
E - exceptional eternal rewards

Blessed and blissful still...

FRAGRANT

Caring and supportive friends and family are like fragrant flowers. They fill our nostrils with the aroma of affection. Abundant blooms add colours; brighten our lives; lift our spirits, bring a smile; ignite a flame in our hearts.
They may even cause us to dream again... 
And, yes, pretty much make us feel good about ourselves.
And THAT is important...

BITTER SWEET

An old photo (approximately four years ago) brings back lots and lots of - bitter and sweet - memories. Everyday is a bonus for which I give thanks and commit to live in a manner that brings blessings, joy and gladness to all whose paths would cross with mine! 
Blessed ... and blissful.

HIGH DEMAND

Would anyone reject Encouragement and refuse Courage?! 
I believe not.  In fact these are precious commodities in very short supply and high demand!

Surely you cannot really possess one without the other!
Give a man enough encouragement and he will rise to have courage to first change himself and then onward to change the world...

JABEZ

Surely one of the most significant and powerful prayers ever - Prayer Of Jabez!
A new season dawns. God is already at work turning circumstances to your favor. You have waited long enough. Your turn has come! Ask, believing and you shall receive. God will answer your EVERY prayer. 
At times, you might not like his answers but rest assured He has your best interest at heart. Let God be God. You be you. 
Be blessed and blissful...

CHAP GOH MEI

Tomorrow, 2nd March is Chap Goh Mei; fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year. It also marks the final day of celebration. 
CGM dubbed Chinese Valentine's Day will be observed in many different ways. The most significant, perhaps silly to some, being tons of oranges thrown into the ocean by single women in the hope of securing a mate! Feasting is naturally top of the list too.
Those seeking for the right companions in relationships; business, friendship, marriage etc, I wish you well. Landing the right partner is just the beginning. How well the relationship progresses will certainly take more than oranges thrown into the ocean!! 
Meanwhile celebrate and have a blast...enjoy!

SIBLINGS BONDING

Good looks run in the family!
When you have a tall, dark and very charming six foot three hunk escorting two extremely eye catching mademoiselles, one on each arm, passersby are bound to stop for a second look! Don't we absolutely luurrve the attention!!
Just kidding.😉
Seriously though, what better way to spend the tail end of the Lunar New Year celebrations with beloved family.
Siblings bonding time ... priceless.

BAD MANNERS

Mood swings are common. The best of us are not spared! Sometimes we can be on cloud nine while at other times, trapped in a cesspit of pathetic pity!
Bad mood leads to bad manners and bad behaviour. When we're confronted with a person who is mad and moody, best to stay out of his/her way. Pointless to reason or argue with a deranged person. The worst thing is to challenge him/her. Why add fuel to fire?! If you can manage it, quietly pray for that person. If not, calmly walk away and avoid being sucked and stuck in that foul state of mind...urgh!