The Secret of CONTENTMENT -- Philippians 4:11-13

Not that i was ever in need... (Jardin Ceres, Quebec...i was a grateful guest at this serene Canadian estate.)

...for i have learned how to get along happily whether i have much or little. (Bill and Tila gave a very warm welcome to this solo backpacker at Beverly's Campgrounds -- Taveuni, Fiji.)

i have learned in whatever state i am, to be content. (Bibi's Hideaway, where true Fijian hospitality shines through -- outdoor shower on a rainy day...singing "Singin' in the Rain," a la Gene Kelly, though not doing the dancing jig in the rain -- Matei, Taveuni; Fiji.)

i know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. (Paunzhausen, Germany...heated floors...just-made, mug-sized cappucinos -- with ultra-fresh milk from the neighbor's cows next door!)

i have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach ... (Paris, France...very pretty, but not very filling!)

...or empty... (Cuzco, Peru...sopa de lengua -- i ate my veges, but gave the humongous blue tongue, brain pieces and sheep jaw to my two orphan guides.)

...with plenty... (Connaught Hotel, London...a very stuffy and very proper kind of place -- very interesting, this hands-on experience of living as if rich for few days -- but i soon discovered it was not my preference.)

...or little. (Lagiloa farm bure -- Taveuni, Fiji...no electricity, no running water, no flushing toilet...the nearby river for bathing, washing clothes, drinking water, catching prawns...and meditating on GOD's Word.)

For i can do everything with the help of CHRIST who gives me the strength i need. (Philippians 4:11-13)

It matters not what GOD does...it matters only Who HE is. (Oswald Chambers)

And the GOD i worship is Jehovah-Rohi...the LORD is my Shepherd...CHRIST JESUS.

The LORD is my Shepherd; i have everything i need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.

Even when i walk through the dark valley of death, i will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and i will live in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23 is my Reality today, and for every true follower of JESUS. The secret of true contentment is living the abundant life of CHRIST in the Now...rejoicing in everything...giving thanks for everything.

And that abundant life can also be yours...in CHRIST.

La Jolla -- The JEWELed Life

La Jolla is a ritzy part of San Diego, where a Gucci brand handbag of a designer-dressed, manicured and spa-pampered woman wearing matching Gucci leather boots -- probably cost more than 150 bags sold at The ShoppE at Rose's!

What does a CHRISTian backpacker-style traveler bush farmer have in common with the rich and semi-famous folks of La Jolla? Not very much at all -- except maybe the love for an ocean view and the ocean itself, with its majestic and roaring waves. And, of course, in La Jolla, the ocean view (as almost everywhere else in the USofA) comes with a very steep price tag, if that view sits on prime real estate.

GOD, the Potter and Master Craftsman of this person that i am today, has made me in such a way that the stuff of La Jolla does not beckon to me -- it's too "civilized" -- to put it nicely. The day Ann and Shelley, with 92-year old Thelma in tow, and i drove to La Jolla, it was only to view the few seals beached at the Children's Pool at the Cove. We made no time for the glamour shops (read: tourist traps) or gave even a second thought to Hard Rock Cafe, etc.

GOD's nature called to us...and we satisfied ourselves with His handiwork.

In Fiji, at Beverly's Campgrounds, i stayed in this tent for only F$10/night, on prime ocean-front real estate, with the reef waters just yards away and the waves crashing too loudly for my ears (i had to wear earplugs to sleep).

As Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians (4:11-13) --

"i have learned how to get along happily whether i have much or little. i know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. i have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

For i can do everything with the help of CHRIST who gives me the strength i need."

i, too, have learned to be content with much or with little. As long as i'm "glued at the hip" with my utterly precious Constant Companion and LORD of my life -- i am at ease in His rest.