God Says "Cheer Up!"

For the past five months, I trudged unfamiliar places. Under the scorching sun, I sweated like a pig. But still patiently waiting with the many strangers I never thought I would encounter. Many questions ran in my head, complaining even. Restless in all aspects. The situation I was in was breaking my heart.  But just when a drop of tear was about to fall, a seemingly consolation consoled my crying soul. I felt God cut down a speck in my cross. I just thought, maybe it was God’s way of cheering me up; of converting the bad into good. Not grand but just right. Actually, the real challenge has just begun. Fears and anxiety are hunting me up to this very moment. But I know in my heart, it’s okay to feel this. So maybe I can be even more grateful of God’s teeny weeny blissful surprises along the way.

Sabi nga nila walang problemang hindi natin kaya. Pero gano man ito kalaki, hindi nito matatalo ang Diyos na meron tayo. Have a peaceful Holy Week everyone!

Photo source: diggingtheword.blogspot.com

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Trusting People

Four years have passed since I decided to leave the corporate world, yet the memories of my previous employers are still vivid and clear. Some of them left the world unexpectedly with their untimely death, some can be searched in Facebook and others are hopefully soaring in some part of this world. As I have said in one of my old posts, having the opportunity to work with the President/Chairman/CEO of a company (not once but twice) was a huge privilege. Today, as I run my own micro business I now consider that experience as the biggest highlight of my professional career.

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I just have to say this...

It is so disheartening to be convinced that there are many people who are saying that they are in need of financial aid and have a braveheart to ask others for help. But when it’s payback time, the courage disappears and would not even care to explain. Courage could save trust but cowardliness could destroy credibility...even relationship. Gratitude, that is. :(

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Crab Mentality No More (Please)

Do you know a person who gets so envious when friends or relatives have achieved something great in their lifetime, like a college classmate who used to cheat is now managing a popular fast food chain or a son of an ordinary mechanic is now an engineer? I bet, “Buti pa sya” is their favorite expression. I personally think it is ok to be envious but too much could be dangerous. Envy is good if it drives you to do better in what you do because you also want to succeed. Envy is good if you can be happy for others and wish them more success. On the other hand, it can also lead to self-pity, misery and a hopeless life. Worst, instead of making the achievers a source of inspiration, others tend to pull them down. Awful!!! Unfortunately, there’s quite a lot (even inside a family). :(

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Photo grabbed @ maalamat.blogspot.com

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Reverse Psychology

This is a tweet from Bro. Mike Vinas. The first time I read it I fell in love with it instantly.

 Let's be addicted to Hope (not the cigarette).

Then I saw this in Google Images...

Sure, you have the right to smoke, burn your entire internal system. Just don’t pollute my lung even more. I don’t have much to buy Montelukast for the rest of my life. So expensive. But if money doesn't matter to you, yeah, keep smoking. Burn money. Kill yourself softly. Just don't regret later...

Photo courtesy of howtostopsmoking.com

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Joker, Is that you?

It’s just so irritating to hear stories about people who after willingly lending you his hand will one day show you a list of debts you never knew you owed. Just when you thought the business partnership is anchored in genuine friendship, be ready for a big surprise that might just change your faith in human’s real character. Suddenly, you become skeptical on what's behind the mask of every stranger you meet.

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Photo credit antizoloft.devianart.com
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Sweet Servings

As we age our reason for wanting to make such things happen deepen. We begin to realize that the true desire of our heart is to serve.

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I, Me, Myself & My Frugal World (Part II)

He’s a charming teenage boy. Much taller than me. Addicted to online games. Adept in car and motorcycle parts and engine (though we don’t have both). And the guy who stole my crown after 12 years of reigning as the bunso in the family. Let's just call him Utoy. And sometimes Bill. Bill is the root word of BILLi mo ko nyan; BILLi mo ko no’n. And here's the heartbreaking part: his desires worth BILLsss. He is my total opposite. My cabinet is the ultimate evidence to this. It’s not important that I only have two jeans in my closet (one I bought in college and the other I bought on sale four years ago) for as long as it fits and there's no hole that a guy can peek. 

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The Joy of Life - Never Say Die

Sometimes when you are in the verge of giving up, you’ll be surprised how others could be so compassionate and persuasive  that you can turn a seemingly hopeless situation into victory for as long as you keep on fighting.

Photo grabbed @ undeadhohohos.blogspot.com

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Tempted

When you know you have sinned, saying sorry isn’t always enough. Sincerity in asking for forgiveness comes with a change in action. It isn’t fair to say that God will forgive me anyway. So I’m asking the Lord to strengthen me because the works of the devils are deceiving. Evils aren’t wearing black all the time. They appear in alluring suits so powerful that it can change human’s real character. So when my faith becomes weak, I fall down. The battle within is killing my soul.

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Photo grabbed @ shyjumathew.com

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Posted 3/11/10 2:11 PM

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Spread Generosity

Why do millions of people mourned when the entire world learned the death of Princess Diana, Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II and Michael Jackson?

Because of their famous status?

Yes.

Let’s admit it. Many of us don’t know these people personally and vice versa. We only know them because of their numerous tv appearance and various written interviews. Thus, their lives became a public interest. By means of media, we were able to follow their ups and downs in their career and perhaps a gist of their personal activities. The fact that we will no longer see them alive on the tv screen or hear any recent story makes us sad somehow. But there is absolutely deeper basis for crying over a person we don’t know personally.

Princess Diana was known not only for having a pretty face and being the wife of a British king. The mass recognized her as a woman with a benevolent heart. The Princess used her energy, her compassion, and her position to seek solution to some of the most important humanitarian issues.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta devoted most of her days on earth in worshipping the Lord by being faithful to her mission. She responded to the physical and spiritual needs of the poor in India.

Pope John Paul II, according to the website zpub.com, is said to be the most recognized person in the world. He is the most travelled pope in the 2,000 year history of the church. He bravely travelled the world to spread the gospel and to give hope to the entire humanity.

Michael Jackson is regarded as the greatest entertainer of all time. His talent mixed with serious dedication amazed people from all walks of life. His dance moves, meaninful lyrics and incredible music videos will forever be remembered.

People follow their lives for so many good reasons. I think being generous is one of their common qualities. They were very generous in sharing not only their material possession, but they unselfishly shared their time, talent, wisdom and goodness.

When Michael Jackson was still alive, many attempted to emulate his skills. In their effort to be like their idol, some of them discover their talent in dancing or maybe in singing or maybe MJ’s commitment towards his work. His generosity in sharing his extreme talent resulted with positive impact. In 2000,  the Guinness Book of World Records cited MJ for holding the world record for the "Most Charities Supported by a Pop Star." What more if people will imitate his charity works and the good acts of Princess Diana, Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II or any noble man?

In reality, no one can ever change the world because changing the world requires everybody's cooperation. We are all responsible. We are all in charge.That’s why we need to share our blessings. We have to learn the value of generosity. We have to spread generosity.

Many People grieved over their death not only because they are popular and are being idolized. People cried because they are loved; because they touched our lives; because they brought joy; because when they were still alive they were so generous.

Let me end this by sharing with you one interesting question in the Kerygma Feast handout last Sunday

When God blesses you, what do you do?”

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Photo grabbed @ bitsandpieces1.blogspot.com
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Posted 7/20/09 3:19 PM

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Pass the Torch and Englighten Others

Let’s admit it, many Filipinos work abroad because they want greener pastures. But the story doesn’t end there. Let us not forget that working overseas is not just about “I, me and myself.” The truth is we are all involved.

Life is difficult. It’s a fact. But there is such thing as "more difficult life." My father, for example, has been an OFW for more than half of his life. He is successful. But like everybody else he wouldn’t be in his present position without struggles, without tons of sacrifices. My dad’s life is about enduring gigantic waves, facing fear in the midst of great storms and erratic weather condition, and bearing extreme heat inside the engine room. Along with the physical agony he seldom sees his family, his loved ones. For me, that's the meaning of "more difficult life"

I consider myself an independent person armed with good amount of confidence but I am not as brave as OFWs. It is no joke to be in a foreign land specially if your only armor is a braveheart. Working abroad maybe synonymous to higher income and perhaps better living, however it also involves great risk. As a daughter of an OFW, I know. When I was a lot younger, there were times that I was telling myself “I wish daddy is here.” I could have hated him but I felt I have no right to have grudges because daddy isn’t playing. He’s working hard not for personal prosperity but to be able to give me a better life; to give us, his family, a life he didn't experience when he was young. He is working abroad in pursuit of a selfless dream regardless if his life is at stake.

My dad’s tale is just one of the many OFW stories. Each has different story to tell. Some are exciting; others are so complicated. There are stories of victory but there are also stories of great misery. But no matter how different they are, they have one common denominator - they embody the true meaning of sacrificial love. They are the people who have chosen a "more difficult life."

Today, the Overseas Filipino Workers are called “Bagong Bayani (modern-day heroes)." Various reports prove that their high remittances play vital role in economic sustainability - a clear evidence that their sacrifices are not just for a purpose of having a stronger home but for a stronger nation as well. To be called “Bagong Bayani” is perhaps a great honor for the OFWs, but at the end of the day a title is just a title. I believe the essence of being an OFW is not primarily about increasing one'swealth but for having the opportunity to bless others even more. And their true reward is to see small or marvelous progress in the lives of others specially their loved ones. They are happiest if they see someone become a person with big dreams and concern for his neighbors. It only means they have successfully passed the torch and enlightened others.

Photo grabbed @ pinkandteal.blogspot.com

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Hula Hook

Fortuneteller n - one who professes to predict future events.

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Psychic n - a person apparently sensitive to nonphysical forces.

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Prediction n - something predicted; a forecast, prophecy, etc.

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Tarot reading n. - revolves around the belief that the cards can be used to gain insight into the current and possible future situations of the subject.

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I have not tried consulting a psychic or fortune teller despite several invitations from friends and family. Ok, there were few attempts but nothing serious. I swear. I actually believe in ESP. The ability to foresee a person’s character and the events that happened, are happening and will be happening in a person’s life is perhaps one of the biggest mysteries in the history of humankind. Sounds exciting, right? Most specially if highly recommended by a trusted loved one.

Most of us, if not all, are curious about our fate. That’s probably one of the primary reasons why many people flock in the sides of Quaipo Church. Like everybody else, I also want to have a sneak peek of what lies ahead of me. So although not a big fan of “real fortune tellers,” I am fond of free online tarot reading. Well, anything free is definitely a source of bliss for me. Despite that, my mind is still close to the idea of opening both hands into a stranger and let him/her interpret my palm lines. Because I am afraid that if he or she sees a bad thing it might have a psychological effect on me. Unlike in free online tarot reading, the result is broad. In real life, the predictions are more specific and personal. I don’t want to create my own ghost. And I think it is stupid to be scared of something that is not yet happening or may not even happen. Although not that type of person, the bad forecasts will surely reside in my memory along with the good ones. And that’s exactly what I am trying to avoid.

Moreover, I believe that although there are things that we cannot control, those that are bound to happen no matter what, majority of the events in our lives are the outcome of the decisions that we make every single day. Our future lies in what we do in the present time. Example: the tarot card reader predicted financial abundance. If I just sleep all day, will I become financially prosperous? NO, because wealth is a product of both faith and action. Certainly not an instant thing. If there is such thing, then maybe that’s fate - destiny that we cannot control (that's according to my high school teacher). And before you know it, your “friends” have terribly multiplied. :p 

Prediction is called prediction because there is no absolute truth to it. However, I believe that psychic power exists for a reason. Perhaps to serve as guidelines and caution. But in the end, it is up to us if we will make things happen or choose a different path; if we want to have a life with a happy ending or not. Consulting a psychic, a tarot card reader or Manang Bola could be creepy or exhilarating, that’s why we have a choice. And I think listening to one’s conscience is still the best option. I mean, we don't need to have a fully opened third eye or irregular brainwaves or uncanny nature to see our destiny. Just more convictions supplemented with action. 

Photo grabbed @ chicagoist.com

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Harvest Time

I have just realized that achieving the things that we have been dreaming of is not always the best feeling. Sometimes it’s just a way to direct us towards the path where we can have a truly happy heart. It isn't an easy journey though. Sometimes we have to go through rough roads, long and unwanted situations. Halfway, you will ask yourself "Is this what I really wanted to do?" It's frustrating if you answer "No." With all the time and energy that have been wasted, it is so typical to be resentful. But we should all realize that life doesn't end in one or two or multiple failures. Keep the faith. Someday, you will reap the product of your hardwork and patience (but maybe in some other way). :)

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Q & A

Last Sunday, I was very emotional. Bro. Bo Sanchez, is not just a Catholic preacher and bestselling author, he also has a knack for making people cry.

Last week my patience reached 37 degrees Celsius, comparable to the scorching weather condition we are currently experiencing. It was due to my mom’s pesky question. Ok, here’s a fragment of what happened: She asked me a question, I answered her at once. After few minutes, she asked me the same question and I replied with the similar answer. The scenario happened five times in less than five minutes I think. But on the fifth time, in a loud voice I told her “Mommy sinabi ko na eh, paulit ulit!. 414 nga!” And my mom answered “Nagiging makakalimutin na kasi ako…” Then, there was silence.

Last Sunday, Bro Bo ended his talk with a short video of an old man and his son sitting in a bench. The younger man was reading a newspaper when a sparrow landed on the ground not too far from where they are. The father noticed it and asked his son “What is that?” In a calm voice, the son responded “It’s a sparrow.” After few minutes, the old man asked again “What is that?” The son answered “Sparrow.” For the third time, the old man repeated ‘What is that?” Annoyed, the son shouted at his father “It’s a SPARROW! How many times are you going to ask me that question?” The old man suddenly stood up and told his son “Just few minutes.” He walked away but came back immediately as he promised. He gave a small notebook to his son and asked him to read it.

When you were young, you saw something on the ground and asked me “What is that?” At once,  I answered your question. You asked it 21 times but I answered you 21 times with fascination because I want to show you my affection. It’s a sparrow.”

Teary eyed, the young man embraced his father.

At that moment, guilt filled my whole being. Being a woman, I'm also quite emotional. However, I  think I have mastered the art of hiding strong emotions. But I failed last Sunday. My tears were uncontrollable. And my heart was  also shouting “Mommy, I’m sorry.” Unfortunately, it was only I who could hear my scream. My mom was not even beside me.:(

The morale of the story: Wag nyo ko gagayahin ha!

P.S. The script was not exactly like that but very close to the original version.

Photo grabbed @ farm1.static.com

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Alone

Do you still remember the first time you rode a PUV on your own?

How did you feel?

Frightened?

Excited?

I was both frightened and excited.

I was in 5th grade when I learned to travel all by myself. Since our house is miles away from my school, my mom had to teach me how to ride all types of public utility vehicles. We would leave the house as early as 4:30 am because flag ceremony was at 6 am. It was our daily routine for more than a month. Then, it became I and my brother until it came to a point that I had to stand on my own two feet.

When I was in that age or during adolescent period, I used to ask myself “Why did my mom allowed me to go here and there alone while those of my age were always accompanied by an adult?” I was envious to other children; to most of my schoolmates whose parents were always there to drop them off and to pick them up after class. I felt terribly bad when I would encounter a road mishap or I had to go to school on stormy days and I had no one to turn to because I was alone. Little did I know that my mom was actually teaching me a tremendous lesson.

Sometimes in life we have to go through some pain for us to learn a very valuable lesson. And that is exactly what my mom did. I have become an independent person because of her. Well, not at all times but at least I am armed with good amount of confidence. And because of that I am quite certain that I can go anywhere. Because my mom said “Kaya mo yan!”

In every journey, a threat of getting lost or hurt is a common scenario but definitely we will reach our destination no matter how tough and how long it takes. Similar to our Christian life, there are times that we wonder why God, the father, is not answering our prayers. We ask God “Where are you?” or “Why have you abandoned me?” Like our parents, God is a loving father and He does not abandon His children. When we are in a pickle, God just want us to strengthen our faith in ourselves and in Him. For the bible says “Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways – Proverbs 20:30.”

Listen. God is telling you “Kaya mo yan!”

Photo grabbed @ parablev.deviantart.com

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Today's Lessons

1. Read carefully (Wag tamarin magbasa aabot naman sa Smallville).

2. Follow the instructor not your own judgment (Narinig mo na nga ang tamang sagot nagmamarunong pa kasi eh).

3. GOD is GOOD (That was really close… Thank God I survived!)

Expression of the Day: Parang kinurot ang nerves ko. Love it!

Photo grabbed @ Sonoma.edu

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Journey

When we’ve been trying to understand what’s happening in our lives and still couldn’t figure out the answer, maybe God doesn’t really want us to understand and be confused. He just wants us to trust and follow Him. But Jesus doesn’t promise a smooth sailing journey. When we follow Jesus, we have to carry our cross until we reach our own Calvary. And after all the sufferings, you'll know it's worth it - the happiness is perpetual; the heart is fulfilled.

The photo above is Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon founded by Rev. Fr. Joey Faller. The huge statue of Jesus is on top of a mountain with almost 300 man-made stairways. Kamay ni Hesus is not just an ordinary tourist attraction, it embodies the meaning of life. The journey to the top is really tiring but there are areas in between where one can take refuge and rest. But once we reach the peak, the exhaustion vanishes because we are reunited with Jesus. Life is like that. It isn’t easy but when we get tired God provided us with places where we can rejuvenate. He also gave us family and friends to accompany us in our journey. We are not alone. In good times and in bad, God is with us in the form of another human being and in the calmness of our heart in times of difficulty. And finally, the peak of the mountain symbolizes a goal that has been fulfilled.

Towards the end of 2009, I felt that a gate of great opportunity opened only to realize in the end that it was not meant for me (maybe not yet). It was very frustrating. But another gate opened so quickly. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I am going to be where I am today but I think I’m on the right track. I don’t know what is on the end of the road but I have decided to go on and just trust that no matter what happens I know God has a purpose bigger than I can imagine.

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Why We Should Forgive

We should forgive because it is not others who are hurting

The largest and most painful wound is deep within us.

We should forgive because it is not just for those who hurt us

Bur primarily for the healing of our own broken heart.

We should forgive not because they are right and we are wrong

It’s humility in its highest form.

We should forgive because we need to let go of the excruciating memories

Believe that abundance is coming our way.

We should forgive because the world needs peace

Isn’t that everyone’s ultimate wish?

We should forgive because that’s what God says

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

We should forgive because when we forgive God jumps up and down

So delighted and cheerful on our precious gift.

Photo grabbed at thriceholy.net

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When Truth Hurts

Sometimes, when things go wrong, we believe only the things that we want to believe. We only listen in things that we want to hear. Concealing the painful truth. Sounds so wrong but it feels so right (for a moment).

Photo grabbed @ admavericks.com

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