Belenggu Kemalasan

Bacaan: Amsal 6:4-11

Setahun: Ayub 25-27; Kisah Para Rasul 12

Nats: Oleh karena kemalasan runtuhlah atap, dan oleh karena kelambanan

tangan bocorlah rumah (Pengkhotbah 10:18)

Si Didi ingin latihan angkat beban. Remaja ini memang kegemukan. Ketika ia bersama ayahnya melewati toko perlengkapan olahraga, Didi minta dibelikan barbel seberat sepuluh kilogram. Ayahnya tahu anaknya pemalas, maka ia bertanya, "Kalau Ayah belikan, apa kamu nanti akan memakainya tiap hari?" Didi menjawab, "O, tentu! Aku janji deh." Sang ayah lalu membayar di kasir dan menyuruh Didi membawa barbel itu ke mobil. Baru beberapa detik, si Didi sudah mengeluh, "Tolong bawakan dong, Yah! Ini berat sekali!"

Kemalasan adalah rasa segan untuk bekerja atau berjuang. Para pemalas tidak mau bersusah payah mengeluarkan tenaga maupun pikiran. Jika diperhadapkan dengan perkara sulit, ia suka menunda-nunda. "Besok saja! Nanti saja!" Seorang pemalas bisa saja bercita-cita tinggi, tetapi ia ingin mencapainya dengan cara yang mudah, nyaman, dan tanpa memeras keringat. Tentu saja ini mustahil! Kemalasan yang dibiarkan akan menggiring orang masuk ke jalan kemiskinan dan

kekurangan (ayat 11). Bagaimana caranya keluar dari belenggu kemalasan? "Lepaskanlah dirimu dari jerat!" (ayat 5). Kita harus mendisiplin diri sendiri; berinisiatif untuk menuntaskan setiap tugas dan pekerjaan tanpa menunda-nunda.

Periksalah agenda hidup Anda. Adakah target-target yang tak tercapai karena Anda dibelenggu kemalasan? Apakah Anda terus menunda waktu untuk menghubungi seseorang, membaca buku, merapikan rumah, berolahraga, memeriksakan diri ke dokter, membuat rencana masa depan, atau lainnya? Hari ini juga, lepaskanlah diri Anda dari belenggu kemalasan! —-JTI

KEMALASAN ADALAH KEBIASAAN UNTUK BERISTIRAHAT SEBELUM ANDA BENAR-BENAR MERASA PENAT

Amsal 6:4-11

4 janganlah membiarkan matamu tidur, dan kelopak matamu mengantuk;

5 lepaskanlah dirimu seperti kijang dari pada tangkapan, seperti

burung dari pada tangan pemikat.

6 Hai pemalas,pergilah kepada semut, perhatikanlah lakunya dan

jadilah bijak:

7 biarpun tidak ada pemimpinnya, pengaturnya atau

penguasanya,

8 ia menyediakan rotinya di musim panas, dan mengumpulkan

makanannya pada waktu panen.

9 Hai pemalas, berapa lama lagi engkau berbaring?

Bilakah engkau akan bangun dari tidurmu?

10 "Tidur sebentar lagi,mengantuk sebentar lagi, melipat tangan

sebentar lagi untuk tinggal berbaring" --

11 maka datanglah kemiskinan kepadamu seperti seorang

penyerbu, dan kekurangan seperti orang yang bersenjata.

Sumber: Renungan Harian (dot) net

Wise Old Man and a Smarter Woman

I was admiring an elderly couple strolling in the park, holding hands, and constantly looking tenderly into each other’s eyes.

Envious and curious, I approached and asked, “Good morning, I can’t help but notice the loving affection you have for each other? What’s your secret?”

They looked at each other and the woman nodded her head to signal for the husband to speak.

“We have been married for fifty-five years. Before we got married, I told her as the head of the family, I would make ALL the BIG decisions and she can take care of all the small ones,” he started.

Then he added with a wink, “In all the fifty-five years, there has NEVER been a need for any BIG decision.”

Make your partner the hero and you’ll be amazed how much he’ll want to protect and provide for you.

Behind very successful man is an even smarter woman.

Eight Tips for Scoring Free Airline Travel Vouchers

Airlines like money and it turns out that the best way for airlines to make money is to ensure that there are as few empty seats on a plane as possible.

When a person doesn’t show up for a flight, the seat is left empty and an empty seat is a lost opportunity for revenue. As a result of this conundrum, airlines employ fancy statisticians to figure out how many seats the airline needs to overbook just to make up for the no-shows.

Unfortunately, those statisticians aren’t fortune tellers and sometimes (okay, a lot of times), their figures are off. When the figures are off, it’s still a better deal for the airline to give you a $300 travel voucher than it is to risk letting a seat fly empty.

So, how can you cash in on all of this free travel? Here are seven tips to releasing your inner free-travel royalty:

Show up Early
This may sound like a no-brainer, but the early bird gets the worm. Arrive at the gate at least an hour and fifteen minutes before your scheduled departure and ask the gate agent if he needs volunteers. If he isn’t sure, give him your name just in case. This doesn’t commit you to volunteering, but it might get you first dibs on those choice ticket vouchers.

Choose Your Flights Carefully
If you really want to scope out the overbooked flights, check out AOW (Airlines of the Web). Search for your flight of choice and then take a look at the string of numbers and letters on the side. Those letters refer to the class (first, business, coach, etc.) from highest to lowest and the numbers refer to the number of remaining seats in the corresponding class. Keep in mind that the highest possible number is nine, so if the number listed is nine, the real figure could be much higher. Ideally, you want to find a flight with zeros (or close to zero) all the way across.

Mornings are better than evenings—airlines are more likely to overbook these early flights, knowing that they have a better chance of delaying passengers to a later flight. Holidays, Saturday mornings, and Sunday evenings are good bets, too. Similarly, popular destinations are goldmines for the flexible traveler. Las Vegas, Hawaii, and major business travel hubs like New York, Minneapolis, and Chicago are common sites of overbookings.

Be Flexible
Whenever possible, try to let your travel day be a travel day and avoid scheduling meetings or sightseeing trips for your first day in town. This is good advice for lowering your blood pressure on a hectic trip and it’s good advice that can allow you the time for getting bumped.

Travel Light
Sometimes finding volunteers is like pulling teeth, but if the competition is fierce, airlines tend to prefer volunteers who don’t have checked baggage. On a similar note, one of the few downsides to getting bumped is the extra opportunity for the airline to lose your checked luggage. Try to stick to carry-on bags. If you can leave the turbo deluxe hair dryer and extra set of golf clubs at home, do so.

Be Prepared
Before setting foot in the airport, decide how late you are willing to be delayed and the lowest dollar amount you’re willing to take. Similarly, if you’re traveling with a party, decide who will take the later flight if there aren’t enough seats for everyone. Are you willing to be split up? Overnight? For how much money? Once the agent makes an offer, you will need to be ready with an answer or she might just take the next volunteer.

If possible, you should consult the flight schedule so that you can make suggestions to the agent of later flights and even alternate destinations that you prefer. I flew to New York recently to visit friends and was scheduled to arrive in Newark and then take a train into the city. When I was “bumped” the gate agent switched me to a later flight that flew directly to La Guardia, landing me in Manhattan half an hour sooner than originally scheduled.

Take the Travel Voucher
A free roundtrip ticket sounds like a good deal, but the travel voucher is totally the way to go. The roundtrip ticket is usually subject to blackout dates and all sorts of other restrictions which greatly limit when and where you can fly. Additionally, free roundtrip tickets are usually exempt from earning frequent flier miles. Travel vouchers, on the other hand, can be used just about any time, anywhere, and the flights you purchase usually earn miles.

Get What You Deserve
After making your deal, hang around within earshot of the gate (if you don’t have to run to make your next flight). If you hear another traveler negotiate a better deal, wait until the gate agent is finished and politely request to be offered the same terms. She doesn’t have to say yes, but it rarely hurts to ask.

On a similar note, realize that you are often entitled to extras. If you have a long wait in the airport, ask for a meal voucher, and a calling card. If you’re staying overnight, make sure that the airline is paying for your hotel and offering a shuttle to and from the airport. Request an upgrade to first class on your later flight and request a day pass to the airline’s club lounge (where you will often find free drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even showers), particularly if your delay is long and inconvenient, such as an overnight stay, a different arrival airport, or an extra connecting flight.

The airline is often desperate and you’re in a good position to bargain, but remember that there are often other volunteers who are happy to take your place, so be courteous in your requests. As the saying goes … you’ll catch more flights with honey than with vinegar.

A Final Tip ...

It’s not uncommon to score multiple travel vouchers on a single trip. This can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your level of flexibility. If you’d like to keep your delays to a minimum, ask the gate agent to confirm your seat reservation on your later flight. If your later flight is delayed or canceled, ask to see a copy of the airline’s contract of carriage to determine your rights in the case of an Involuntary Denied Boarding (IDB). The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that a copy of the contract of carriage be made available to passengers at the airline ticket counter.

You may have heard of Rule 240, which originally required airlines facing delays to transfer you to another carrier if another flight with available seats could get you to your destination sooner. This rule is no longer in effect, but many airlines make similar promises to their customers and, if your airline makes such a promise, you should know about it. Good luck and happy (free) travels! :)

Best Career for Your Zodiac Sign

Aries
Aries is the youngest sign in the zodiac. There is a reason the sign is represented by a ram—Aries are strong (and strong-willed), vibrant, enthusiastic, and competitive. They thrive in commission-based jobs, especially if there is a bonus involved. Due to their bravery (and their impulsivity), they are the heroes of our lives—the police officers and firefighters. They are excellent promoters and may find the world of advertising and public relations appeals to their outgoing nature. Best jobs: entrepreneur, soldier, rescue worker; work well in the fields of government and politics, television, and recreation.

Taurus
One of the things a Taurus enjoys most is stability. They will work very hard for certain guarantees—good benefits, vacation time, salary, job security. Determined, patient, honest, and methodical, they are excellent team members and extremely dependable. Taurians have a fondness for beautiful things and love working with flowers, food, jewelry, and luxury items. They are also known for their clear, strong voices and do well as an announcer, public speaker, or receptionist. Best jobs: accountant, educator, engineer, lawyer, designer, landscaper, chef.

Gemini
Want to make a Gemini happy? Give her plenty to do and make it intellectually stimulating. Remember that Geminis are twins, which means you have to engage two people, so they need to have a lot going on and like fast-paced, pressured environments. They won’t survive long doing tedious or repetitive work. Jobs that require travel are perfect, as are jobs that require social networking. Geminis are optimistic and full of energy—they should be encouraged to let go and express themselves rather than be confined to traditional rules. Best jobs: stockbroker, switchboard operator, technical support, teacher, architect, machine operator, rescue worker.

Cancer
Cancer is the mother of the zodiac (Capricorn is the father), so these sensitive types do well in jobs that require nurturing or taking care of things. However, this isn’t just about working with children or puppies; Cancerians make excellent executives, much like a multi-tasking mom who’s in charge. Cancerians give great advice and are very protective. They handle responsibility with ease and are imaginative problem solvers. Best jobs: gardener, social worker, childcare, human resources, lawyer, teacher, CEO, soldier.

Leo
Nothing like a mighty lion to lead your company into success and high profits. Fearless, inspiring, and independent, Leos work best when they are in the spotlight and love jobs that bring status and power. They can be high-maintenance and disruptive to a team environment, but their charm usually wins everyone over in the end. Not to be micro-managed, Leos possess spontaneity and ingenuity and do well when encouraged to lead instead of follow. Best jobs: CEO, performer, tour guide, real estate agent, interior decorator, fashion designer, government, saleperson.

Virgo
Virgos are known for their perfectionism and do very well in detailed-oriented professions. They remember things, excel at abstract thinking, and are very tidy and neat. Many Virgos do well in service-type jobs—you would be very happy with a Virgo manicurist or server (plus Virgos tend to make more money when working for tips). Writing, research, and statistics come easy to the meticulous Virgo brain. They are also easy to get along with as they are generally very cheerful. Many Virgos have a knack for languages. Best jobs: editor/writer, teacher, critic, technician, translator, detective, statistician.

Libra
Libras—what would we do without them? They are good-looking and charming, gracious and entertaining. Their cooperative nature makes them excellent ambassadors and team leaders. If you ever have to deal with customer service over the phone, it will go much smoother if the operator is a Libra. More so than any sign, Libras are people people. They are not the type to slave away in some dark room; they thrive in buzzing, social environments. Many Libras gravitate toward the arts and will most likely be the lead singer of a band, interacting with the audience, rather than a brooding songwriter. Best jobs: diplomat, dancer, salesperson, host, negotiator, travel agent, supervisor.

Scorpio
Intense—that’s what they are. Need a bomb diffused? How about complicated brain surgery? Trust me, you want a Scorpio for the job. Scorpios are able to block out distractions, concentrate, and focus like a laser beam. They are curious and are often drawn to mysteries—you would never want to be cross-examined or interrogated by a Scoripo for they are not only intimidating, but also very intuitive. Scorpios are also drawn to the abnormal and they like to know what makes things tick. (Think Fox Mulder on The X-Files.) Just don’t hover around them—they need their independence and their employer’s trust. Best jobs: detective, lawyer, educator, scientist, surgeon, physicist.

Sagittarius
Sagittarians are ethical, full of energy, and rather philosophical. They are excellent decision-makers and make fair and easygoing bosses. Many Sagittarians are spiritual, which can translate well into careers involving the environment, animals, and counseling, as well as religion. They also love to travel and be outdoors. Outgoing and fun-loving, they are likable and witty coworkers who can defuse tense situations with humor and tact. They will not be tied down or bothered with the little details. Routine kills their spirit. Best jobs: minister, animal trainer, editor, public relations, coach, and anything having to do with travel.

Capricorn
Capricorns are very ambitious and need challenges to be happy. Just like the mountain goat climbs on the tiniest crags to get to the top, Capricorns are determined and persistent—they will do what whatever it takes. Most are responsible and conscientious; many enjoy power. They run a tight ship—they will enforce rules and keep everyone on schedule. If you need something done right (and to exact standards), look no further than a Capricorn. They also tend to be workaholics. Best jobs: manager, administrator, editor, banker, IT, and anything science-related.

Aquarius
The quality that sets Aquarians apart from everyone else is their humanitarian nature (it’s also why they are flighty in matters of the heart, but that’s another story). They love to explore avant-garde ideas and have a curious and adventurous nature. They are the most likely to have an unconventional job, maybe even one of their making. They will rebel against corporate environments, needing freedom of thought and movement. They will not be satisfied doing things the same way they have always been done. If you need a fresh approach, an Aquarius will not let you down. Best jobs: scientist (if they can explore new theories), inventor, organic farmer, aviator, designer, musician.

Pisces
Pisces is the oldest sign in the zodiac and many Pisceans have that “old soul” feel about them. The key words here are creative and passionate. They excel in the traditional arts (music, dance, photography). Pisceans are also highly intuitive. If your stylist is a Pisces, she will not only give you a modern and unique haircut; she will also give you the haircut that fits you best. Many astrologers and tarot practitioners are Pisces. Their intuition also helps in fields that require compassion. Best jobs: artist, nurse, physical therapist, philanthropist, veterinarian, psychologist.

Can Blood Type Determine Your Personality?

What Your Blood Type Says About Your Personality

Type O
You are the social butterflies. Often popular and self-confident, you are very creative and always seem to be the center of attention. You make a good impression on people and you’re often quite attractive. Organized and determined, your stubbornness will help you reach your goals. You make good leaders. Lovewise, O is most compatible with O and AB. Common career choices: banker, politician, gambler, minister, investment broker, and pro athlete.

Type A
Type As may seem calm on the outside, but inside, you’re filled with anxiety and worry. You’re perfectionists and often shy and sensitive. Usually introverted, you’re stable and thoughtful. You make good listeners and are sensitive to color and your surroundings. You like to be fashionable and are up on the latest trends, but never flashy or gaudy. You like romantic settings and often shun reality for fantasy worlds. A is most compatible with A and AB in the love department. Common career choices: accountant, librarian, economist, writer, computer programmer, and gossip columnist.

Type B
You can be very goal-oriented and often complete the ambitious tasks set before you. Outgoing and very charming, you’re good at reading people and providing support. Though critical of appearance (but not your own), you aren’t picky and are unlikely to dwell over the little things. Type Bs are impulsive individualists who often create their own path in life. You are very strong and optimistic. B is most compatible with B and AB lovers. Common career choices: cook, hairdresser, military leader, talk show host, and journalist.

Type AB
Not surprisingly, ABs can be quite dualistic, possessing both A and B traits. You may be shy and outgoing, and hesitant and confident. You often stand out from others, don’t like labels, and are nice and easy going. You are logical and determined to do things correctly. Usually trustworthy, you like to help others. You often speak in a serious manner. Your patience, concentration, and intelligence are admirable. AB can find a soul mate with any other blood type. Common career choices: bartender, lawyer, teacher, sales representative, and social worker.

The Numerology of Names

There is a reason why you have your name and it’s not because it sounded classy in the gossip pages of the New York Post (which is where my mom found my name). Your birth name paired with numerology can enlighten you on what motivates you in life, what warrants your true expression, and the lasting impression you leave on others when you exit a room.

It started with Pythagoras, the Greek mathematician who invented the a2 + b2 = c2 Pythagorean Theorem, the only equation I remember from eleventh grade geometry. In 6th century BCE, Pythagoras combined mysticism with mathematics to construct a quotient about the future of one’s life. He coined it Pythagorean numerology and used numbers assigned to the letters in one’s full name (as well as using the numbers in one’s date of birth). The numerology determined what innate abilities one was given at birth to determine what might happen late in life, and it has become the source for modern numerology today.

How Numerology Works
When working with a name, numbers have corresponding letters. The numbers are added up and broken down into single digits in order to give you your final Destiny Number.

The Number Assignments

1= A, J, S

2= B, K, T

3= C, L, U

4= D, M, V

5= E, N, W

6= F, O, X

7= G, P, Y

8= H, Q, Z

9= I, R

How to Find Your Destiny Number

Write down your full name (first, middle, and last). This is the name you were given at birth—not your married name, etc.
Using the table above, write down the number matched to each letter in each name (i.e. AMANDA = 1, 4, 1, 5, 4, 1).
Add the numbers together for each name (i.e. 1+4+1+5+4+1= 16).
You will most likely get a double digit for each name; break down each double digit number you get by adding the first and second digit to get one number (i.e. from the 16 above, add together 1+6 to get 7, which is the number for my first name).
Add up the final numbers you get from each name (i.e. my middle name number is 8 and my last name number is 10, so 7+8+10 = 25).
Once again, break down any double-digit numbers into one digit to get your final Destiny Number (i.e. from the 25 above, add together 2+5 to get 7, which is my final Destiny Number).

In numerology, the basic vibrations are numbers 1 through 9, but the numbers 11 and 22 are master numbers and should not be reduced to a single digit since these are master vibrations.

There are plenty of books and Web sites that will give you a thorough analysis of your Destiny Number, but here’s a basic rundown on what your Destiny Number means for you:

1 is determined, autonomous, and self-reliant

2 is loyal, tactful, and analytical

3 is passionate, positive, and fun-loving

4 is sensible, traditional, and serious

5 is bold, temperamental, and sensual

6 is responsible, cautious, and domestic

7 is spiritual, unconventional, and somewhat reclusive

8 is money-oriented, assured, and authoritative

9 is versatile, compassionate, and worldly

11 is enlightened, deep, and high-strung

22 is ambitious, a global planner, and motivated

I looked further into my 7, and found this interpretation through About Numerology.

“A Destiny number of 7 means you will find fulfillment through teaching others. By pursuing an ongoing quest for knowledge and then sharing your findings with your fellow man ... be it through teaching, writing or some other means ... you will bring joy into your own life. By following your destiny, your life should be an interesting life, one full of the exploration of science, mysteries, the occult, or other fascinating fields.”

When I think about the Marcellina Ringo Ringo in me that I know, the explanation above sums me right up. Perhaps there’s more to numbers than I originally thought.

Naked Dream

Where'd My Clothes Go? What Naked Dreams Mean?

Imagine you’re standing in line to order your morning coffee. Several people are in line behind you. As you reach in your wallet to retrieve money to pay, something stops you. Suddenly, you feel a breeze on your skin, you look down, and—you’re stark naked!
Most people have experienced the “naked dream,” and it can have a variety of meanings. The real question is: What do you feel when you discover you’re naked? Shame? Insecurity? Freedom? Your emotional response, not the nudity itself, usually holds the key to your subconscious.
If you feel shame, you might be experiencing latent feelings of guilt. Perhaps you’re hiding something and are fearful others can see right through you. Being naked leaves you feeling exposed and defenseless, especially if you’re nude in a public place. If you suddenly find yourself naked in a large crowd—at a mall, in a meeting, at a baseball game—it can symbolize your fear of rejection.
Usually, feelings of shame or fear of exposure pop up when you’re being overly critical of yourself and your abilities. So forgive yourself and your foibles—they’re not as bad as you imagine them to be.
If you feel insecure, you’re most likely scared of being vulnerable. Nudity in dreams symbolizes vulnerability in your waking life and can be a metaphor for drastic changes—a new relationship, a new job, a death in your family—that has altered the status quo of your life. Embrace the change, for better or for worse. Find friends and family in whom you can confide your fears. Being vulnerable is not always bad, especially if you have a support circle behind you.
If you feel free, you’re generally proud of your life and have nothing to hide. Feeling happy while naked can indicate honesty and a trusting, carefree sense of life. It can also symbolize a return to innocence. You may feel like a child again, especially a child’s openness to the world and joy toward life. If so, congratulations!