RETAIL BANKING TODAY

 RETAIL BANKING TODAY

The first rule in retail is to convince a customer to hold the object they are interested in, because their brain will subconsciously claim it as theirs.

Banking too is in general retail.

Here the bank has to sell the idea of opening an account to the customer.

And when the customer opens the account he has to be encouraged to remit funds to the account in trickles even on a daily basis.

This had been the banking of yore. 

The scenario has now drastically changed. 

You can remit cash into your account free of charges only thrice 

 in a month. 

If you exceed that, you are charged. In SBI it is Rs.59 per each transaction. You can see that much money disappearing from your hard earned savings. It must be similar in other banks too.

All the same the bank  can encourage them to open RDs as well

Their trickles would do wonders for them.

For the Bank  too.

But Banks are no longer Retail today.

PERSNICKETY

 PERSNICKETY

Placing too much emphasis on trivial or minor details; fussy.

"She's very persnickety about her food"

GOLDEN HEART

 A conversation between two ladies on the brother of one of them.

There is a  question to the sister by the other, "Has he always been so PERSNICKETY?"

(PERSNICKETY is -placing too much emphasis on trivial or minor details; fussy.

"she's very persnickety about her food")

The sister replies, " He is one of a kind. He is focused. He knows what he wants at all times. And that's why he's always been the reliable one .... The guy you turn to when everything falls apart, and somehow he can hold it all together. It's his decisiveness, his attention to detail, his drive ... all of those aspects are what have gotten him  to where he is today in his life and career. It works for him."

The friend responds, "Well, it just annoys me. I am serious. It's that decisiveness that makes him think he rules the world. He needs to be knocked down a bit."

The sister is unconvinced. She responds, "It's a matter of time before you fall in with the rest of us. My brother might be overbearing at times - trying to fix things when he should be quiet and making sure everything is sitting at a 90 degree angle on any given surface - but ...he's also got the most golden heart in the world. He's lovable."

Sarah Adams
The Temporary Roomie

This was posted to someone dear with a query

"Does it touch a chord somewhere?'

Pat was the response.

"Yea. A gentle man who is my roommate for  48 years ,(who stole my heart with a golden heart  and an open demeanour)."

ANU ABRAHAM DONNY

ANU ABRAHAM DONNY

Message on Sunday16th November 2025 at 

CSI Christ Church Trivandrum

EnglishWorship

Family Sunday

Family : Sanctuary of Harmony and Peace

Family is  where the story of man’s salvation began, the 1st place where faith is nurtured and Godly legacy is passed on from one generation to the next. It is the central theme of God’s plan for the happiness and spiritual growth of all members of the family (children, parents, grandparents,and other blood relatives). 

Family is the safe haven where we must cherish, respect, care, encourage and love each other. Unfortunately, today families have turned into places of despise, distrust, fear and even murder. 

Why? How come?

 Let us turn to the Word of God, for the answers. 

1) Family: Sanctuary for saving lives 

We have failed to reassure and deal kindly with those who need it the most. We resort to twisted methods to hurt and destroy. We fail to see that God alone is in charge. 

In the last chapter of Genesis (chapter-50, vs 15 - 21), we learn that Jacob is dead, and Joseph’s brothers are wondering what stand Joseph will take now? Will he avenge himself, for all the wrongs they did to him? However, Joseph does the unexpected; he reassures them in vs 19, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?” He reminds them in vs 20 that though they intended harm, God intended everything to happen for good, to be exact the saving of many lives. 

Can we say the same about ourselves? How many times have we tried to destroy our siblings & fellow beings over petty things, things that we cannot take to the grave. Joseph’s brothers came with cunning (again), sending him a false message. However, Joseph knew himself, who he belonged to and who he served - hence, he reassured them and dealt kindly with his family. 

2) Family: Sanctuary that holds on and does not give up 

We have failed to truly understand and failed to share the LORD’s LOVE. 

What is our stand towards those who have chosen to be reckless and to waste themselves, like the ‘younger son’ in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)? Can we not wait for them, keep looking out for them anticipating their return, and when they do return, can we not celebrate and be glad, because these beloved ones were dead and are now living again; they had been  lost and are found? Let us change the ‘elder son's’ attitude of bitterness, resentment, self-righteousness to the feeling that we are entitled to greater rewards because of our obedience and loyalty; let’s not see God’s grace as “unfair'; let us not be filled with pride and jealousy, believing that we have somehow earned God's favor through our actions. Let us examine ourselves - do I really need to earn anything in this life other than the grace, mercy and faithfulness of the LORD?

3) Family: Sanctuary of God’s chosen people holy and dearly loved 

Is all lost? No - there is yet hope, when according to Apostle Paul in Colossians 3:12-17, we have to put on love which binds us all, irrespective of our errors, faults, shortcomings and failures; let us be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient, bearing and forgiving each other; thankful and grateful that Christ’s message lives amongst us abundantly, helping us teach and correct each other through the love and wisdom of the SPIRIT; and allowing Christ’s peace to rule our hearts. 

4) Family: best sanctuary Model 

We can restore society when we restructure our families using Psalm 103, which depicts the model for the spiritual family and earthly parenthood. David teaches us that God is the Perfect Father, who blesses generations and forgives and disciplines us. In vs 1-5 we see the LORD’s greatness and all His benefits to us; Seven times David had used the word 'praise'.  Let us be grateful and teach our children too to be grateful for everything. Vs 6-12 reminds us of the LORD’s forgiveness and HIS extreme love for us. Vs 13-16 shows us the LORD’s compassion and sympathy, and how frail mortals are. Let us hold on to the promises HE has kept for us and our generationss. Let us praise the LORD all our life, not stopping for any circumstance nor situation that may hinder us from praising and worshipping HIM as families. 

5) Family: The Blessed Sanctuary 

When we remodel and  realign our families to the will of the LORD, both our families and society at large become sanctuaries of goodness and delight, as seen in Psalm 133, like the precious anointing oil that flows down Aaron’s beard and like the dew of Hermon fallings on the mountains of Zion, where there is life forever. 

Let the biblical families of Abraham  and Sarah, Joseph and Mary, Aquila and Priscilla, to name just a few - be reminders of how to raise up strong families, based on faith, perseverance, trust, honesty and pure love, all the while overcoming challenges and build God-centered and resilient sanctuaries that are the sanctuaries of Harmony and Peace. 

GOOD CAPTAIN

 

A GOOD CAPTAIN IS SOMEONE WHO KNOWS 

HOW TO MARSHAL HIS OWN RESOURCES

Do you often fail?

Have you ever failed?

Is failure pushing you into rejection, dejection, depression and desolation?

Are you in the  zone of disappointment,despair, frustration or hopelessness?

Tell yourself,  you are the captain of your own ship.

Take a deep breath. 

Look inward.

Reinvent.

ANU ABRAHAM DONNY

ANU ABRAHAM DONNY

Message on Sunday16th November 2025 at 

CSI Christ Church Trivandrum

EnglishWorship

Family Sunday

Family : Sanctuary of Harmony and Peace

Family is  where the story of man’s salvation began, the 1st place where faith is nurtured and Godly legacy is passed on from one generation to the next. It is the central theme of God’s plan for the happiness and spiritual growth of all members of the family (children, parents, grandparents,and other blood relatives). 

Family is the safe haven where we must cherish, respect, care, encourage and love each other. Unfortunately, today families have turned into places of despise, distrust, fear and even murder. 

Why? How come?

 Let us turn to the Word of God, for the answers. 

1) Family: Sanctuary for saving lives 

We have failed to reassure and deal kindly with those who need it the most. We resort to twisted methods to hurt and destroy. We fail to see that God alone is in charge. 

In the last chapter of Genesis (chapter-50, vs 15 - 21), we learn that Jacob is dead, and Joseph’s brothers are wondering what stand Joseph will take now? Will he avenge himself, for all the wrongs they did to him? However, Joseph does the unexpected; he reassures them in vs 19, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?” He reminds them in vs 20 that though they intended harm, God intended everything to happen for good, to be exact the saving of many lives. 

Can we say the same about ourselves? How many times have we tried to destroy our siblings & fellow beings over petty things, things that we cannot take to the grave. Joseph’s brothers came with cunning (again), sending him a false message. However, Joseph knew himself, who he belonged to and who he served - hence, he reassured them and dealt kindly with his family. 

2) Family: Sanctuary that holds on and does not give up 

We have failed to truly understand and failed to share the LORD’s LOVE. 

What is our stand towards those who have chosen to be reckless and to waste themselves, like the ‘younger son’ in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)? Can we not wait for them, keep looking out for them anticipating their return, and when they do return, can we not celebrate and be glad, because these beloved ones were dead and are now living again; they had been  lost and are found? Let us change the ‘elder son's’ attitude of bitterness, resentment, self-righteousness to the feeling that we are entitled to greater rewards because of our obedience and loyalty; let’s not see God’s grace as “unfair'; let us not be filled with pride and jealousy, believing that we have somehow earned God's favor through our actions. Let us examine ourselves - do I really need to earn anything in this life other than the grace, mercy and faithfulness of the LORD?

3) Family: Sanctuary of God’s chosen people holy and dearly loved 

Is all lost? No - there is yet hope, when according to Apostle Paul in Colossians 3:12-17, we have to put on love which binds us all, irrespective of our errors, faults, shortcomings and failures; let us be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient, bearing and forgiving each other; thankful and grateful that Christ’s message lives amongst us abundantly, helping us teach and correct each other through the love and wisdom of the SPIRIT; and allowing Christ’s peace to rule our hearts. 

4) Family: best sanctuary Model 

We can restore society when we restructure our families using Psalm 103, which depicts the model for the spiritual family and earthly parenthood. David teaches us that God is the Perfect Father, who blesses generations and forgives and disciplines us. In vs 1-5 we see the LORD’s greatness and all His benefits to us; Seven times David had used the word 'praise'.  Let us be grateful and teach our children too to be grateful for everything. Vs 6-12 reminds us of the LORD’s forgiveness and HIS extreme love for us. Vs 13-16 shows us the LORD’s compassion and sympathy, and how frail mortals are. Let us hold on to the promises HE has kept for us and our generationss. Let us praise the LORD all our life, not stopping for any circumstance nor situation that may hinder us from praising and worshipping HIM as families. 

5) Family: The Blessed Sanctuary 

When we remodel and  realign our families to the will of the LORD, both our families and society at large become sanctuaries of goodness and delight, as seen in Psalm 133, like the precious anointing oil that flows down Aaron’s beard and like the dew of Hermon fallings on the mountains of Zion, where there is life forever. 

Let the biblical families of Abraham  and Sarah, Joseph and Mary, Aquila and Priscilla, to name just a few - be reminders of how to raise up strong families, based on faith, perseverance, trust, honesty and pure love, all the while overcoming challenges and build God-centered and resilient sanctuaries that are the sanctuaries of Harmony and Peace. 

EMIN & BIBIN

 

EMIN & BIBIN

Emin & Bibin are students at the KUT Seminary, Kannammoola. They are in their third year BD. As they were quite good in their studies they had been deputed by the Seminary to the Bishop’s College, Kolkata for a four month’s Exchange Programme. It meant they attended classes at the College for one semester. It was a window for them to the world far away from their own environment. According to them, it was a lifetime opportunity. They said they were happy they could be in another city. They could mingle and interact with students from across the country. The challenge was, they had to satisfy themselves with food habits quite alien to their own state. They found food quite cheap in Kolkata. Their experience was, the cost of food for the whole day had never exceeded Rs.150.00

Emin is Emin Joseph Michael and Bibin, Bibin Varghese Mathew. They are from the Pathanamthitta District of Kerala.

Christmas is a time of celebration at the KUT Seminary. Students are encouraged to create and devise programmes.on their own. They decorate the Seminary Campus bringing their imagination into play. The Stars and the Christmas Trees draw admiration from the visitors and the passersby.

As part of the decorations, the proposal of Emin & Bibin to make a Christmas Tree from empty plastic bottles at their Hostel drew wholesome acceptance by the students and the faculty. There lay the problem. The headache of creating something out of nothing falls on the proposers themselves. There was no exception here. Once their proposal was accepted, Emin and Bibin were assigned the duty to make the Christmas tree with plastic bottles. The beauty was, they were expected to bring their design into fruition within a week.

One good thing about both the gentlemen is that once they are into something, they dive to the deep bottom and rise up victors.

The major issue was the sourcing of the empty plastic bottles. Their extensive enquiries led them to the Kochuveli – Thiruvananthapuram North – Railway Station. They rode their bike to the station. They started enquiring from the fifth platform. However, they learned they had to meet the Station Master, who alone could provide them the information they needed. They climbed the foot over bridge and reached the first platform that had the Station Master’s Office.

As they were moving on the platform, they overheard a boy of around 15 years of age enquiring with an official of the Railway, where he could catch a train to Mangalore. They heard the response too. He had to reach Thambanoor for that.

In the meantime our friends could meet the Station Master who provided them the contact information of the contractor who had been clearing the empty plastic bottles accumulating at the station. But when they contacted the person, they were advised they would have to wait  as he was in a location half an hour away.

Though the smell of the banana fry was permeating there from the Tea Shop on the platform, they resisted the temptation to enjoy it with  tea, since they had left for Kochuveli soon after their Lunch at the Mess. They were fitness freaks.

They had half an hour to while away. They went on exploring the platforms. It was tiring, but they hated idling. There was nothing else to do.

As they went on, the boy they observed earlier had approached them. He had a strange request. He wanted them to speak to his mother at Nileshwaram. He explained he had never been in Trivandrum before.

The mother sought their assistance. She said the boy had reached Trivandrum through his own fault. He had come down from Nileshwaram to Ernakulam to partake in a sports event . When he had reached the Ernakulam South Railway Station he had boarded a train to Kochuveli by mistake instead of catching the Train to Mangalore. As he was very tired he had slept throughout the journey. At last when the train halted at Kochuveli, the cleaning personnel woke him up and had advised him to detrain.

The mother requested them to help her son board a train to Mangalore from Trivandrum so that he could reach home without any hindrance.

Our friends asked the boy whether he had any food after he caught the train in the wrong direction. The reply was interesting. The boy said as he was training in the Gym, he had regulated his food intake.

They however felt it was not right to go without food for such a long time. They took the boy to the Tea Shop and bought him the tempting Banana Fry along with tea. As they found their resistance melting, they too enjoyed the snack.

Emin and Bibin decided to proceed to Thambanoor and help the boy catch the train to Mangalore. But there was a glitch. The time was 2.30pm. The next train to Mangalore from Thambanoor was leaving only at 6.30 pm.

Emin and Bibin found a solution. Emin said he would return to the Hostel as two people alone could ride the bike.

Bibin took the boy to LULU, Trivandrum and they didn’t even know how three hours had gone off fast. The boy did have a good time. He enjoyed the Food Court very much.

Bibin finally took the boy to the Thambanoor Railway Station and helped him buy his ticket and saw him off on the train to Mangalore.

The boy was grateful to Emin and Bibin. To his query how he should repay their kindness, they replied, “If and when you happen to find person in a similar predicament, please assist him like we have done for you today.”