LIVING THE FULL LIFE

Today's Scripture
“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness of it…” (Psalm 24:1).

God wants you to live an abundant and satisfied life. He wants you to enjoy the fullness of the earth and life’s experiences. When you open your mind to new things and new situations, you are broadening your horizons and opening yourself to new opportunities. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, doing the same thing the same way all the time. But when you open yourself to new people and new ideas, you are making room for God to reveal Himself to you. You are making room for Him to work in your life. Make the decision to explore something new this week. Take a different route home from work. Try something new on the menu at lunch. Be open to new people who may not necessarily look like you or act like you. Let God direct and broaden your horizons. As you do, you’ll encounter new opportunities and live the satisfied, full life the Lord has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, I open my heart and mind to You today. I ask that You help me broaden my perspective so I can experience the full life You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

LOVE YOUR FOOD & PLEASE DO NOT WASTE

DEAR FRIENDS & READERS, PONDER THE BELOW AND IT MAY TRANSFORM OUR THINKING, ACTION, CULTURE AND LIFE IN THE FUTURE..........

Not liking the food you have daily????
How about some pizza?

No??? Ok....... Pasta?


No?? .. How about Taco?

Not in taco mood today? ... ok.. Trying this Mexican Food?

No again? No probs.. we have more choice..

Hmmmmmmm.. chinise??????? J

Burgersssssss????????

Ok.. lets try Indian.. J
South Indian Food?
Naaaaa??? North Indian?

Junk food mood?

Or some diet food today?

The choice we have is endless.......

Tiffin ?

Non-Veg?

Large Quantity?

Or just some bites of chicken?

You can have any of these... or try out little from all...

But..

They have No choice..

They just need some food to survive..

Think of them next time you throw the cafeteria food saying, its not tasty!!

Think of them next time you say .. Roti here is too hard to eat...

Please DO NOT WASTE food
If you have a function/party at your home in India and food gets wasted , don't hesitate to call 1098 (only in India ) - child helpline. They will come and collect the food. Please circulate this message which can help feed many children. PLEASE, DON 'T BREAK THIS CHAIN,

"Helping hands are better than Praying Lips"

---

TAKE REFUGE IN HIM

Take Refuge in Him

Today's Scripture

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8).

Where do you take refuge when the storms of life come? Where do you go for comfort and safety? Some people find it easy to turn to their friends, their job, or even a bowl of ice-cream! There’s nothing wrong with any of those things, but God the Father wants us to turn to Him first. He wants us to take refuge in Him. He longs to protect us and defend us and give us His strength. We serve a good God, and when we take refuge in Him, He will pour out His abundant blessing in our lives. Taste and see that the Lord is good today. Taste and see that His promises are good. When you turn to God, the Bible promises that you will find rest and refuge for your soul. No matter what you may be facing today, come to the Father. He will give you His peace and strength, and you’ll live the blessed life He has prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, today I open my heart to You and choose to take refuge in You. Thank You for Your peace and rest and for showing me Your hand of blessing in every area of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

THE WAY

Today's Scripture

“‘…how can we know the way?’ Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:5-6).

Do you need direction in your life today? Not only is Jesus the way to life in eternity, but Jesus is the way to everything you need in this life here on earth. Do you need to know the way out of debt? Look to the Father through Jesus. Do you need to know the way to having better relationships…the way to overcome an addiction…to live in peace and joy? When you know Jesus, you know the Way. No matter what you are facing today, no matter what challenges or obstacles are in your life, He will make a way for you even when you don’t see how. God loves you so much that He wants to strengthen and empower you to live in total victory. That’s why He sent His Son, Jesus, to this earth—to show you the way to live an abundant life! Open your heart today and receive all that God has given you through Jesus. As you do, you’ll see His hand lead you in the way of victory in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to show me the way. I invite You into every area of my life. Keep me close to You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

LIVING A RESURRECTED LIFE

Every person goes through adversities or times of difficulty. Maybe you didn’t get a promotion you deserved, or you lost a loved one, a friend betrayed you. It’s easy to get negative and bitter and lose your enthusiasm for life, but understand today, you are not defined by your past, you are prepared by your past. Every challenge you’ve been through, every adversity you’ve faced, God has deposited something on the inside of you. Your character was being developed. Strength was being increased. Your vision was being enlarged. With every difficulty, you can experience a new level of God’s goodness! You may have had unfair things happen, but remember, all things work together for good when you love the Lord! It doesn’t say that all things are good, but God will turn your test into a testimony. No matter what challenge you may be facing now, no matter what you’ve experienced in your past, if you’ll stay in faith God will turn it around for your good! Choose to have a resurrection mentality—you may have gone through an emotional death, and burial but it’s time for you to rise again. God wants to give you His beauty for ashes, and joy for mourning. He wants to bring you out stronger, happier, healthier, better off than you were before!

ASK FOR WISDOM

Today's Scripture

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

Do you need wisdom for something today? Ask God. He loves it when you call upon Him, and He longs to give generously to you. Do you need wisdom to lead your family? Do you need wisdom on your job? Do you need wisdom for a decision you have to make in life? Ask God! The next verse goes on to say that when you ask, you must ask in faith without wavering. That means you have to be absolutely determined to get your answer from Him. You can’t just ask and then decide to do things your own way, or doubt that He will give you the answer. That’s being double-minded. When you’re double-minded, the Bible says you won’t be able to receive anything from the Lord. Don’t let that be you! Have a one-track mind that’s focused on God and His promises. Believe that He is going to generously bless you with His wisdom. As you keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, He’ll cause you to rise higher and higher, and you’ll live the abundant life He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for being a good and generous God. Thank You for pouring out Your abundant blessing in my life. Keep my heart and mind focused on You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

MADE IN JAPAN

There was a Japanese man who went to America for sightseeing. On the last day, he hailed a cab and told the driver to drive to the airport. During the journey, a Honda
drove past the taxi. The man then leaned out of the window excitedly and yelled, "HONDA, VERY FAST! MADE IN JAPAN!".



After a while, a Toyota


sped past the taxi. Again, the Japanese man leaned out of the window and yelled, "TOYOTA, VERY FAST! MADE IN JAPAN!"


AND then a Mitsubishi
sped past the taxi. For the third time, the Japanese leaned out of the window and yelled, "MITSUBISHI, VERY FAST! MADE IN JAPAN!".





The driver was a little angry, but he kept quiet. And this went on for quite a number of cars. Finally, the taxi came to the airport. The fare was US$300.
The Japanese exclaimed, "WAH.......SO EXPENSIVE!". Thereupon, the driver yelled back, "METER, VERY FAST! MADE IN JAPAN!".

TOP 10 REASONS WHY TV IS BETTER THAN WWW

1. It doesn't take minutes to build the picture when you change TV channels
2. When was the last time you tune in to "Melrose Place" and got a "Error 404" message?
3. There are fewer grating colour schemes on TV - even on MTV
4. The family never argues over which Web site to visit this evening
5. A remote control has fewer buttons than a keyboard
6. Even the worst TV shows never excuse themselves with an "Under Construction" sign
7. Seinfeld never slows down when a lot of people tune in
8. You just can't find those cool Health Rider infomercials on the Web
9. Set-top boxes don't beep and whine when you hook up to HBO
10. You can't surf the Web from a couch with a beer in one hand and Doritos in the other
    

26 SIX WAYS TO SAVE TAX IN MALAYSIA

26 Tax-Saving Moves
They are legal and permitted by Inland Revenue Board ( IRB )

1) Save for your Child’s Education

• Since 2007 , any amount that is deposited into a savings account for your child under national Education Savinds Scheme ( Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional ) allows you to claim tax deductions.
• Thers is a limit of RM 3000 for this deduction but spouse who file separate tax returns can each claim this amount .
• Tax Deduction : RM 3000 per individual
• For Mr A : As he falls in the 24% tax bracket , this deduction translates to a tax saving of RM 720 ( RM 3000@24%)
  

2 ) File Separate tax returns

• A separate assessment allow each spouse to claim personal tax relief of RM 8000 while a joint tax return allows one spouse to claim a wife or husband relief of RM 3000
• Tax Deduction : Each spouse earning Taxable income can claim personal tax relief of RM 8000 by filling separate tax returns.
  

3) Ask your employer to increase your EPF contributions

• Contributions to the employees Provident Fund (EPF) by employers are tax-exempt for the employees.
• To reduce your taxable income , ask your employer to reduce your EPF monthly salary but increase your EPF contributions by the same amount.
• Tax Deduction : The deductible amount from your taxable income is dependent on the arrangement between you and your employer.
  
• For Mr A : Mr A agrees to takle monthly pay cut of RM 1000 for an equivalent increase in his EPF contributions by his employer.At the end of the year , he receives an additional RM 12000 in his pension fund but his taxable income is reduced by the same amount.
• The tax saving that he makes is RM 2880 ( RM12000@24%)
  

4) Change your cash remuneration to cash reimbursement

• Fixed allowances given by your employer each month for entertainment and housing or parking fees are taxable at your tax bracket.
• Change this to a “ reimbursement “ based on receipt and you are not taxed on the amount received.
• Tax Deduction : The deductible amount from your taxable income is dependent on the arrangement between you and your employer
  
• For Mr A : By Changing a yearly fixed allowance of RM 6000 to a reimbursement of the same amount and supported by receipts , Mr A makes a tax saving of RM1440 ( RM 6000@24%)
  

5) Ask for a company car

• A car given by your employer is regarded as a benefit-in kind ( BIK ) and taxable.
• However , a company car is advantageous for taxpayers because the preset tax scale for cars is much lower than the actual cost of buying and maintaining a car.
• According to the Public ruling for BIKs , the tax payer must pay RM 3600 in taxes every year, for a car worth RM 75000
• If the employer pays for fuel , the tax payer is taxed an additional RM 1200 for this BIK
• Tax deduction : Whether you benefit from a company car depends on the value of the car and your current tax bracket. Do the calculations to ascertain your tax deduction.
  

6) Make charitable contributions

• A gift of money to an approved charitable organisation entitles you to a tax deduction for the amount given.
• From 2008 onward , this amount cannot exceed 7% of your aggregate income.
• However Charitable donations that were made in 2007 are not subject to this limit.

• Tax deduction : Up to 7% of your aggregate taxable income can be reduced with this deduction.
• For Mr A : With his taxable income of RM 90000 , Mr A can make a donation of RM 6300 .This deduction results in a saving of RM 1512 ( RM 6300@24%)
  

7) Take Up postgraduate studies

• A relief of RM 5000 per year for any course of study at the Master’s or doctorate level , the government announced in 2007 Budget the widening of the scope to all postgraduate studies.
• The course does not have to be done full time , but “ must be in an institution or professional body in Malaysia recognised by the government or approved by Minister of Finance
• Tax Deduction : RM 5000 per individual
  
• For Mr A : As he completes his master’s degree . Mr A can enjoy tax saving RM 1200 from his taxable income ( RM 5000@24%)
  

8) Read , Read , Read

• Starting from YA 2007 , taxpayers can claim a personal tax deduction to RM 1000 for purchase of books, journals , magazines and other publications.
• To maximise this generous deduction , consider giving books as gifts.
• Tax Deduction : RM 1000 per individual
• For Mr A : With book purchases of RM 1000 Mr A saves RM 240 ( RM 1000@24%)
  

9) Get Sporty

• You will get a deduction of RM 300 for each year of assessment for the purchase of sports and exercise equipment for any sports activities defined under the Sport Development Act 1997 “
• Tax Deduction : RM 300 per individual
• For Mr A : By buying RM 300 worth of sports equipment , Mr A makes a saving of RM 71 ( RM 300@24%)
  

10) Buy Life Insurance

• The maximum tax relief is RM 6000 a year for premiums paid to an insurance company for life Insurance or deferred annuity plans.
• This Limit is shared with your contributions to the EPF, other employer schemes and contributions under any written law relating to widows or orphan pensions
• Tax deduction : RM 6000 per individual ( shared with your EPF contributions )
  

11) Take out a Medical or Education policy

• You can claim deductions of up to RM 3000 a year for education and medical insurance ( combined limit for both )
• This includes medical coverage that is part of life insurance policy( the limit for life insurance is in move 10 )
• A policy of this kind can be written for you , your spouse or your child.
• Tax deduction : RM 3000 per individual
  
• For Mr A :After acquiring an education policy for his children , Mr A makes a saving of RM 720 ( RM 3000@ 24%)
  

12) Pay your parents’ medical bills

• You are able to claim up to RM 5000 for payments towards your parents’ medical bills.
• Tax deduction : RM 5000 per individual
  
• For Mr A : By paying his parents’ medical bills , Mr A makes a saving of RM 1200 ( RM5000@ 24%)
  

13) Medical

• Claim a deduction of up to RM 500 per tax year for a full medical examination and RM 5000 for medical expenses for yourself, spouse or child for serious disease.
• If you have also spent money on full medical in the same year, your claim will be reduce the RM5000 available for serious disease.
• A separate tax reduction of up to RM5000 a year is given for necessary basic supporting equipment for disabilities suffered by yourself ,spouse, children or parent
• Tax Deduction : RM 500 per individual for full medical check-up. RM5000 for serious diseases or basic supporting equipment
  
• For Mr A : He claimed for a full medical check-up .The deduction give him of RM 120 ( RM 500@24%)
  

14) Pay Zakat

• If you are a muslim ,paying any amount in zakat , fitrah or other obligation Islamic dues will entitle you to a tax rebate.
• Tax deduction : The Amount of zakat that you pay
  

15) Buy a Computer

• A deduction of up to RM 3000 can be claimed once every three years for the purchase of computers , printers and bundled software .
• The similar i9ncentive given previously in the form of a tax rebate was withdrawn with effect from 2007
• Tax deduction : RM 3000 once every three years.
• For Mr A : Getting a computer for RM3000 gives him a saving of RM 720 ( RM 3000@24%)
  

16) Hire a Tax Consultant

• Consider hiring a tax consultant to explore ways your remuneration package can be structured to maximise your tax savings.
• Those who are earning at least RM5000 every month should be able to justify the cost of hiring a tax adviser with their tax savings
• Tax saving : this is dependent on your personal circumstances and the deal that you negotiate with your employer.
  

Tax – Savvy Investments

• You may be looking at some investment this year.
• There are savings to be made from certain investments , from a tax point of view.
• However , some moves may be advantageous if you fall into a higher tax bracket.
• Besides looking for tax-exempt investment , here are four investment moves to explore
  

17) Buy property valued below or at RM250000

• Stamp duty must be paid on all property transactions that involve a change of legal ownership.
• Last year’s budget ( 2008 ) announced a 50% stamp duty exemption for the purchase of houses that do not exceed RM250000
• The maximum tax savings that can be found here is RM2000 ( for a house worth RM250000 )
• This exemption is only given for one house per individual and applies to sale and purchase agreement signed between September 2007 and December 2010
  

18) Buy Similar property

• Similar property can be grouped together for income tax purposes.
• The IRB has indentified categories such as residential , commercial and vacant land.
• If you own two property in the same category , you can reduce the taxable profit made from one property with the loss, if any incurred from the other.
• Property investors are also exempt from real property gains tax for all disposals on on or after 1^{st April 2007.}
• ^{However , taxpayers who are trading property – buying and selling in order to generate income – are liable to income tax.}
• ^{“ This exemption is meant for taxpayers who invest in property for a passive income”}
• ^{Tax deduction : Taxable income received from renting out a property in a particular grouping such as residential can be reduced if a loss was incurred by another property in the same group.}
  

19) Buy shares ( page1 )

• Invest in dividend-yielding shares if your tax bracket is above 26%.
• A new single-tier system was established under the national Budget for dividends received by shareholders.
  
• Companies pay tax of 26% (YA2008) and shareholders receive a net dividend that is exempt from tax and does not need to be filed with the IRB “Shareholders who fall into higher tax brackets [higher than 26%] are essentially [getting a] saving on the difference.
• “The single-tier dividends is intended to simplify the tax filing process for individuals,” says Chua Tia Guan, executive director and head of tax and financial planning at Great Vision Wealth Management Sdn Bhd.
• “In the past, refunds had been slow. From now on, there is no need to declare or apply for a refund. And as corporate taxes are falling, companies will be able to pass on more profits to their shareholders [in the form of dividends],” he says.
• However, not all companies will go under the single-tier system immediately as some of them might have imputation tax credits left, which they can use till 2013.
  
• Shareholders who receive dividends from companies using the imputation system will have to report the amount received and claim a tax refund if his personal tax rate is lower than the company’s tax rate (27% in YA2007, 26% in YA2006).
  
• Shareholders can identify the system used by the company as it is stated in the dividend vouchers.
• Tax Deduction : Your tax saving is the difference between your tax bracket and 26% (the corporate tax rate). This is only applicable to dividends given out by companies using the single-tier system.
  

20) Invest in REITs

• You can go into real estate investment trusts ( REITS )if your tax bracket above 15%.
• There are 11 REITs listed on the Main Board.
• The tax on dividends given out by these property-related investments are taxed at 15% as compared to tax on dividend at 26% ( under the new single –tier dividend system )
• Only tax brackets exceeding 15% would enjoy some tax savings by investing in REITs
• Since the distributions received by individual taxpayers have been subject to that 15% , the taxpayers are not required to declare the amount in their tax return.
• Tax deduction: Your tax saving is the difference between your personal tax bracket and 15%

Moves for Business Owners

• The first rule that small-business owners should implement with regards to their taxes is to take it seriously.
• Spend some time strategising for your business activities to save hundreds or thousands ringgit.
• Here are six
  

21) Maintain books and records from Day 1

• Keep separate bank accounts for personal and business transactions and establish a basic accounting system.
• The inland Revenue Board recognises business income on an accrual basis .
• This means that as long as a transaction is completed, either a sale of goods or a provision of service , its value is immediately treated as business income and is taxable.
• However , unpaid transaction can be reduced your taxable income.
• Any expenses made fro the business can be deducted from the business income.
• The General rule is that expenses can be deducted if it is wholly and exclusively incurred in earning your business income.
• So Keep the receipts for all supplies that you buy for your business
• However there is no deduction for capital expenditure although some assets will qualify for tax relief by way of capital allowances
  

22) Time the purchase and use of your fixed assets

• Capital allowances are permitted for certain business assets such as equipment , machinery , vehicles computers and software.
• The amount of allowances permitted each year depends on the category that asset falls into .( refer to Public Ruling No 2/2001 for the deductible rate of your assets.
• The first capital allowance is given for the accounting year in which the asset was purchased and used by the business.
• If you are contemplating a purchase , try to do it before the end of the accounting year, instead of just after , to claim the capital allowance against your business income.
• If you are buying the asset with a hire-purchase loan, allowance can only be claimed as and when repayments are made to the lender.
  

23) Buys a company car

• If you are a sole trader or a partner in a business, any car or vehicle that is used for business purposes can bring about tax deductions.
• “The business income is reduced by the car’s financing cost if you buy the car on hire-purchase.
• You are also deduct a certain amount for capital allowances every year,
• Before implementing this tax-saving technique, business owners must identify a percentage of the car’s use that is for private activities.
• As there is no definite ruling on how to determine this proportion for private use, business owners must apply a fair and reasonable figure that can withstand scrutiny.
• “Estimating private mileage is an exercise that must be undertaken in accordance to the facts on your actual usage.
• And remember to record all running expenses to make these deductions,” says Thornton.
  

24) Hire your spouse or family member

• An effective tax-saving strategy is to hire a spouse or family member.
• “For example, a husband who is a business owner can hire his wife. The wife’s salary is tax deductible but you must be able to show that she is doing something to earn it,
• In this situation, you would have to contribute to your wife’s Employees Provident Fund (EPF) savings and that amount entitles her to tax relief.
• Another option is to make your spouse or family member a partner in your business.
• This allows you to divide the income made by the business between the both of you.
• As a partnership has no tax liability, both partners are liable for tax for the respective portion of business income that each earns.
  
• “By opting for separate tax assessments, a husband and wife who are partners in a business can each claim individual tax relief.
  

25) Implement a process to ‘chase after’ unpaid debts

• Unfortunately, small business owners can complete a sale or service but might not receive payment, in full or in part.
• At the end of an accounting year, a debt, which is estimated to be wholly or partly irrecoverable, can be deducted from your business income and this lowers your tax bill.
• “Tax authorities tend to look closely at bad-debt write-offs and provisions (for debts that are expected to be partly recoverable).
• So put in some effort to recover the debt before deeming it irrecoverable and you must evaluate each debt separately.
• The process that you put in place to recover your unpaid debts should be documented and any conclusion that you make should be supported with documentation as well.
  
• For example, you must show why it it not cost effective to take legal action against a customer.
• However, if you eventually recover bad debts that have been written off or partially written off, you must include this amount in your taxable income for the year that you received payment.
  

26) Dedicate a space in your home office

• Working in your own house can result in tax deductions for the costs related to your “home office”.
• This includes electricity, telephone bills, quit rent and service charges of apartments.
  
• The best way to claim for these deductions is to dedicate a room or place as the working environment.
• “A dedicated area helps to identify expenses that are specifically for business purposes and can be claimed in full.
• Items that are used by the business as well as personal use, such as electricity, must be apportioned.
  
• One way to do so is on the basis of floor area.
  
• If the business owner pays rent for the working area, this expense can be deducted from the business income.
• This applies to rent that is paid to a spouse who owns the home but is not involved in the business.
  
• However, this is strategy is only effective if the spouse who is not involved in the business is taxed at a low tax rate as rental received must be declared as taxable income.
  
• If this is an appropriate strategy for the business owner, A tenancy agreement that specifies rental for a specific part of the house at the prevailing market rate.

A MOTHER'S DAY STORY

My mom only had one eye. I hated her... She was such an embarrassment. She cooked for students and teachers to support the family.

There was this one day during elementary school where my mom came to say hello to me. I was so embarrassed.

How could she do this to me? I ignored her, threw her a hateful look and ran out. The next day at school one of my classmates said, 'EEEE, your mom only has one eye!'

I wanted to bury myself. I also wanted my mom to just disappear. I confronted her that day and said, ' If you're only going to make me a laughing stock, why don't you just die?'

My mom did not respond... I didn't even stop to think for a second about what I had said, because I was full of anger. I was oblivious to her feelings.

I wanted out of that house, and have nothing to do with her. So I studied real hard, got a chance to go abroad to study.

Then, I got married. I bought a house of my own. I had kids of my own. I was happy with my life, my kids and the comforts. Then one day, my Mother came to visit me. She hadn't seen me in years and she didn't even meet her grandchildren.

When she stood by the door, my children laughed at her, and I yelled at her for coming over uninvited. I screamed at her, 'How dare you come to my house and scare my children!' GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!!!'

And to this, my mother quietly answered, 'Oh, I'm so sorry.. I may have gotten the wrong address,' and she disappeared out of sight.

One day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. So I lied to my wife that I was going on a business trip. After the reunion, I went to the old shack just out of curiosity.

My neighbors said that she died. I did not shed a single tear. They handed me a letter that she had wanted me to have.

'My dearest son,

I think of you all the time. I'm sorry that I came to your house and scared your children.

I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion. But I may not be able to even get out of bed to see you. I'm sorry that I was a constant embarrassment to you when you were growing up.

You see........when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye. As a mother, I couldn't stand watching you having to grow up with one eye. So I gave you mine.

I was so proud of my son who was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye.

With all my love to you,

Your mother.


Always tell someone that you love them because you never know what day will be their last, or your own..

Always seek to resolve your problems or disagreements with loved ones because if either of you should pass on before, the one who is left alive will have the rest of their life to ponder those unresolved feelings but will never find closure. And closure usually brings Peace...

'I asked God, 'How do I get the best out of life?' God said, 'Face your past without regrets.. Handle your present with confidence. And prepare for the future without fear!