** "An Allegory of Prudence" ...

In his painting "An Allegory of Prudence," the 16th-century Venetian artist Titian portrayed Prudence as a man with three heads. One head was of a youth facing the future, another of a mature man eyeing the present, and the third, a wise old man gazing at the past. Over their heads Titian wrote a Latin phrase that means, "From the example of the past, the man of the present acts prudently so as not to imperil the future."

We need that kind of wisdom to overcome the anxiety created by our past failures and the fear of repeating them in the future - an anxiety that can keep us from enjoying life to the fullest right now.

Paul was able to "forget" his past and anticipate his future (Phil. 3:13-14). This doesn't mean that his memory was erased; it means that because God had forgiven him, Paul was free of any guilt or pride he may have felt from his past. As he lived in daily fellowship with Christ, trials could only make him more like his Savior, So he had one driving passion - to know Christ better.

As we close the chapter of the year, let's rededicate ourselves to Christ next year and follow Paul's example. Jesus will enable us to live fully in the present as we gain wisdom from the past and face the future with courage. DJD

Lord, I'm standing at the door
Of this new untarnished year;
Help me to live it all for Thee,
Use me in Thy service here. - McAllaster.

"I press toward the goal . . . , join in following my example. - Philippians 3:14,17.

NEVER LET A BLEAK PAST CLOUD A BRIGHT FUTURE !!!

* WORRYING ..

Dear Diary,

'Philippians 4:6 cautions us not to be "anxious about anything . . . ," in other words not to worry. But how many times in our daily lives do we find ourselves worrying about a host of things including finances, our children or the future? There is an old Chinese proverb: "Why worry about how to cross the river if you have not even arrived at the shore yet?"

Anxiety is said to be undefined fear. When we find ourselves worrying or being anxious, it is very important to clarify what we are afraid of. Tell the Lord about it, leave it with Him and then act upon His truth. Do not live according to the feelings that accompany worry or anxiety.

How good it is to know that we can pray (talk to God) and not worry (exercising faith), realizing that we are praying to a God - our God - who is all-sufficient!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7)'.

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:27).

N. MARTINEZ

- Am learning that crucial perspective in life and admit it's not always easy to put into practice. I often thank the Lord for renewing His patience of me. Philippians is my favourite book of the Bible. It's about joy that can be experienced in circumstances that are challenging.k.

** A GOOD word .. !!

"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad" - Proverbs Chapter 12, verse 25.

*If you see People without a smile today, give them one of yours !

"TODAY" ..

DEAR Diary,

TODAY is very cold, but nonetheless, my Husband and I tended to the Garden while we were able to inbetween bouts of Rain rushes. IT has been a good time because we mineral-fertilised plants and shifted some pots with Roses and Geranium. IT always gives us satisfaction knowing we have achieved (no matter how small it may be). WE are indeed grateful!

OH dear! I've "run out" of something of thought to talk about. MAYBE that's a good thing as now I can rest.

PLEASE consider disposing anxiety (in other words, "Take care").k.