whocares?

The Blame Lies Within

2011-08-05T17:37:00.005+01:00

This poster caught my attention.

Oscar Wilde said, ‘I can resist everything except temptation.’

Homo Sapiens, that is how we are called scientifically, the species of modern human beings.

No matter how modern we evolve, our subconscious still clings to the basic needs – temporal and spiritual. Temporal needs grab our utmost attention. Satiate the hunger…and the desire…for everything. That is why we strictly adhere and follow unwittingly (for some) Wilde’s description of resistance. If we can resist something, then admit it or not, we do NOT desire that something.

“ Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.”- James 1:14

Nobody goes to hell with eyes closed. Hell is definitely symbolic – a classic description: fire, torment, pains, horror, etc…

Of course the process of going there has the ultimate adventure, the clash and crash and crass – the thrill of licking ones finger with relish. ‘Aha, I did it. I defied all conventions.’ With a smirk plastered on the face.

A very simple example: a diabetic takes a bottle of carbonated drink. ‘Just a sip…a bottle once in a while will do me no harm.’

As inherent in human nature, no matter how honest one is, there is a tendency that someone must be blamed for something gone wrong.

A boss accused of malversation blamed the subordinates.

A philandering husband caught by his wife blamed the other woman.

And when there is no one around nor circumstances warrant any, the devil IS blamed.

One guy accused of rape said, ‘the devil made me do it!’ Poor devil!

The devil just delivers a bait. Just like a carrot attached to a stick. With sugar for Molly in Animal Farm so she will join the revolution.

If the homo sapiens bite the very tempting bait – so tempting and irresistible because this modern man desires it, then the blame is on the individual biting the bait – the unchecked desires that made the bait so palatable lead the person to giving in to temptation and sin. Not the-devil-made-me-do-it syndrome.

Of course these faulty choices are done with just a little push from the devil.

When we sin, the blame lies within.

Only God’s grace maintains and sustains.

Have a nice weekend.

Wash Dishes, Anyone?

2011-03-16T11:59:00.003+01:00

WASH DISHES, ANYONE?

As soon as my arms can comfortably reach the sink, I was shown how to wash the dishes with THE STERN warning…’if ever you break a plate or any of these, I’m going to hang the broken pieces in your neck…’

Necklace? Broken pieces of plates? Gee whiz, Mother already had the foresight of those costume jewelries back then.

AND that’s the main reason why until now I HATE wearing necklaces.

Sterner than Mother, my eldest sister was given the mandate to run the housekeeping.

AND washing dishes became the biggest challenge in my life like climbing every mountain, every tiny details as spoons, forks, curves of tea cups – whew!

WHY did we have hands? These can comfortably reach our mouths and beyond? Why should we still use ‘tools’ to channel the food to our mouths?... That was always my battle cry.

Until today, many many many moons later, I came across the internet a sweet, caring Resident Witch in Charge – Rose Ariadne . AND altered my outlook towards washing the dishes.

STARTING TONIGHT I will wash the dishes. But I gotta run out and buy those green candles and maybe red, too.

WHY? I want to try Rose Ariadne’s magick spell.

Here it is:

Granny's Magickal Dish Suds Of Love And Prosperity

What you need:
* 1 candle, either green or red. (Green if you're looking for prosperity... red if you're looking for love...)
* Dirty dishes
* Dishwashing soap
* water
-------------
STEP 1: Prepare the dishes as you normally would...don't wash any yet...just get the water ready, get the soap in the water... put all the dishes on one side... and place your candle as close to the sink as you can...

STEP 2: Stand at the sink and light your candle.

STEP 3: Close your eyes briefly and visualize exactly what you want your spell to accomplish... if it's new love you seek... "see" yourself meeting somebody wonderful... if it's wealth you wish for... "see" yourself getting a dream job... or coming into some surprise funds in some specific way.

STEP 4: Say, softly:
"Each dish I wash moves me closer to the dream I seek.
So mote it be..."

STEP 5: Keep the vision you created in your mind as much as possible while you begin to wash the dishes.

STEP 6: Before you wash each dish, tap it against another unwashed dish exactly 2 times, and as you do this visualize bright white energy flowing from the 2 dishes, to the candle...and up through your ceiling into the sky.

STEP 7: When you get to the last dish...tap it against the faucet twice and say.

"With this last dish, I send an boost of energy; To help bring my deepest dream to me..."

STEP 8: When you're done, clean up as normal and snuff out your candle.

Do not blow it out...

---------------
And she added this advice:

‘See how easy it is? The beauty of it is, you can do it every single night...
And each time you do it, each dish you wash, moves you closer to what you seek.
The results can happen very quickly if you make this a part of your daily routine.’
___________________________________________________
So, what are you waiting for? Use as many plates as you can and stock on green and red candles!!!
Don't knock on my door. I'm busy washing dishes.

PHYSICAL HEALING

2011-01-31T08:08:00.005+01:00

PHYSICAL (AND SPIRITUAL ) HEALING, ANYONE?

I am back from the holidays – and as this was the Christmas Season, well, the inevitable (for me and my cohorts) Resort World and malls malls malls galore!

However, this season had me re think my lifestyle – not only because of the New Year’s Resolutions (‘cuz nobody’s resolute enough to actually do the deed) but the events that took place this season. First, I spent quality time with my aged mother (that’s when I found out – QUALITY TIME is definitely NOT a replacement nor substitute for CONSTANT TIME! Anyway that’s another tale to yarn). AND I met Engr. Mel Rivera of Paranaque!

AND WHO IS HE?

Well, let me start from being an OFW. 100% of us OFWs had experienced (and are still experiencing) the trials, triumphs, tribulations in our working places. We suffer from mental/emotional, physical and spiritual turbulences/deficiencies; spiritual - we cure with prayers – lip services mostly and the shoved-in fact in our brains that the ONE above (since nobody can see) forgives and then we can send our litanies of requests; physical – we get over-the-counter pills and/or our friends, friends’ friend had the same malady – presto – self-medication; mental/emotional – easy! We get someone, then tango. Never mind the husband/wife at home. That would be taken good care of during the 3 to 6 weeks holidays. And then holidays come. OFWs take care of everything except thorough check-up. And when we do, it will only be perfunctorily done. Just to assure ourselves that everything’s ok. Go to the doctor. Buy the prescribed medications and carry back to our working places extra medicines – in case.

Enter Engr. Melanio Rivera .

I have been an OFW for 3 decades and of course I have the accumulated maladies. My friend Ampy first mentioned about him when she talked of the progress of her husband who suffered a stroke and was treated both at home and in the US. The husband, an engineer who had an imposing posture before the stroke had had series of medications/therapies both for the body and the impaired speech. But for years, the progress was very minute until the day they met Engr. Rivera. Then came Marisa and Tikboy. This was in December 2010.

And from their testimonies, I booked for an appointment while still in Abuja, Nigeria.

I met Engr. Rivera on the 18^th of December 2010 a day after I arrived in Manila. He is a certified Civil Engineer and a Master Plumber, worked with Transasia, CDCP and a top man at FF Cruz & Co. Inc. until his resignation in 1990.

Why Engr. Rivera? Why the resignation?

Here’s the story:

He hailed from a family of engineers (all 4 siblings ) from Tanaun, Batangas.

His near-death experience changed the entire course of his life and the hundreds of thousands who benefited from the ‘healing gift.’ In April 9, 1982, Good Friday (13 years of marriage April 9, 1969 to Emelita Babadilla of Cavite), he was rushed to the hospital for an apparent flu attack. It was quite puzzling then that a flu attack can prove to be fatal. At that fateful day of April 9 of Good Friday at exactly 3:00 pm, he lost his heartbeat as well as his pulse beat. After exactly 15 minutes, he was revived to the chagrin of the funeral parlor representative (o yes, hospitals have their contacts in advance just in case!) He was then declared out of danger after 2 hours.

In his words, “I was out of my body and was seeing the doctors’ actions, shaking their heads. I was crying for help not to let me die. As I turned I saw Jesus Christ in his grandest splendor with 2 others. I immediately knelt and bowed my head. I was scared since I was taught that nobody should look at the face of God because we are sinners. JC put His hands over my head. Then a feeling of peace overcame me and I do not want to go back again. But a vision came forth: that of the human internal organs – like a full x-ray. This all came in a flash again and again that the internal mechanism of a human body is indelibly imprinted in my mind!

He told me that our perception of JC is based from the western world. Right he said, JC has blue eyes but a very tanned skin and tall.

He was discharged from the hospital and for 3 days was afraid to go to sleep because of the very celestial music reverberating in his mind that once he closed his eyes he wouldn’t want to wake up again. And then the first trial came after 3 days: his youngest child was bitten in the arm by his neighbor’s big dog. His initial reaction is to shoot the dog AND the neighbor! And as he staggered to get his shotgun, the apparition came: that of JC. He was stunned and stopped on his tracks and muttered: ‘Jesus, forgive me’

The following Sunday, while in church, his eldest had a convulsion. He immediately rushed outside to get his car but to his dismay a car was parked right behind his own whereas there was a big space for parking. He was shaking with anger and went back inside the church to get the owner of the car since he knew him. Upon entering, the priest coincidentally was raising the HOST and as if something cold was poured on him, he approached the owner of the car and politely requested him to remove the car. When they reached the hospital, he saw again the apparition – HE with the flowing robe. He followed and ran after Him but there’s no one. And there, he accepted whatever was asked of him to do.

In 1983, his mother had a stroke and was hospitalized for 3 months being diagnosed of no chance of recovery. In the course of his visits to the hospital, he saw her pain. He instinctively started massaging her arms to ‘wake the veins’. His mom told him that what he was doing was giving her tremendous relief. That made him the decision to continue the therapy at home. In less than 5 months, his mom was back to normal. Then he knew his ministry! His faith and belief in the Divine Force became stronger each passing day. At first he administers only to relatives and friends. And as more people came for the healing, he eventually resigned in 1990 to take up his full ministry. He had seminars held with the Department of Health, guest in the national television, numerous speeches and demos. His clientele included the rich and famous as well as those in the medical profession all over the country.

His biggest trial came in 1998. His wife was diagnosed with cervical cancer! And he felt helpless. He accompanied his wife to the hospital for chemo. He suffered her pain, too. In the hospital, he saw mostly women and the pain they endure. He begged the Divine Force. And in this trial, he re enforced his belief and trust in God, he took care of the healing of his wife. To this day, the effect of chemo is still manifested in Mrs. Rivera’s body, gradually thrown out of her system.

His Ministry: Nerve Theraphy

In Tagalog – ‘hilot’ or massage. ‘Hilot’ is the ancient Filipino Method of healing by touch and energy medicine. Massage affects the whole body. Underneath the skin is a layer of tissue containing nerves, arteries, veins, lymph vessels and varying amount of water and fat. It affects the muscles in many ways including removal of congestion, waste products in the tissues and reduces spasms and tones up the muscle tissue.

(Leviticus 17:11 for the life of a creature is in the blood)

His mantra: free flow of blood to the heart, right food, exercise

Then ailments/diseases would have no room inside the human body.

Fair enough. I will only narrate the benefits I obtained. The hundreds of thousands of patients (foreigners included) who benefited from his services will one day come out and also tell their stories. He once gave a French Psychic Surgeon Paul Boucard a relaxing hilot.

On the 18^th of December 2010, after another round of discussions with the then reliever of POEA administrator Manalili, Ms. Banawis regarding the ‘new rules’ again to get the certificate, etc., etc. (another story to tell the world how POEA officials mandated to take charge of every OFWs welfare behave), I proceeded to meet up with the appointment with Engr. Rivera. He seemed to be in his fifties and has a very pleasant personality. His ‘clinic’ is right there in his garage just behind where his car is parked, now incorporated like a living room. A curtain covers the small area where a bed (very much like in a normal hospital with a standing fan). Since I was told beforehand that I have to bring along two towels one to cover the bed and the other one to cover me and a comfortable shorts, I was prepared for the treatment. His wife, also Mel as in Emelita, told me that I have to undress and put on the shorts. I was ready. My colleagues in Nigeria told me not to tell any ailment I have and so I was just quiet. Engr. Rivera came and started the treatment. He massaged my face with baby oil and told me that my left eye is weaker than the right one with the right ear also weaker (and these were so). Then he started massaging my arm all the while explaining.

‘You see massage need not be strong; just a slight pressure like this.( From the shoulder blades, it was already painful but I still kept quiet till it reached the nook of my elbow face up) This is also a connection to your heart (yeoooowwww—that was really painful) actually you have had a mild stroke. (So, that was it – I was driving home after office hours in late November. I felt a sharp pain running down my left arm and I couldn’t raise it. Luckily I was almost near our life camp and it passed) While he continued massaging – every movement of the massage should go towards the heart. Massage unclogs the veins thus giving a smooth flow to the heart (pressed my palms, yeoooowwww another gush of pain then I was asked to turn face down. Time for the legs. Pain and more pain) This part of the sole shows you’ve got bodyful of uric acid and this one (yeoooowwww kidney! All the while talking to get my mind away from the pain) ‘By the way Engr, when you had that near-death experience you saw 3 figures? The Holy Trinity?’ ‘No. People should remember this: whoever Deity you believe in and you follow the teachings whole-heartedly that is the one you will see. If you believe in Buddha and you adhere religiously to his teachings, then you will see him.’ So you actually believe in after-life? In Hell? ‘The Bible said there are ten Heavens in My house. It is the degree of your relationship with your Deity.’

The massage continued with more pain. The most amazing part is when he rubbed his palms together and then pressed at my back – very very warm! Three times, he did this silently. (When I reached home, I tried rubbing my palms after putting oil and no matter how hard I rubbed, it only resulted in very slight warmth) It took him some seconds before he replied when I asked him why and how it was done. ‘It is the Divine Force doing the healing. I am only an instrument.’

We had always relied on doctors and hospitals. We always take medications to ‘feel well’ not to get well. We maintain our illnesses – that is when we feel pain, we take medicine. Then it goes. It comes back, we take again.

My friends Fely, Aenid, Evelyn followed one after the other. Each one of us appeared glowing after the ‘hilot.’ Ha ha ha - who needs a facelift?

Our verdicts: we’ll definitely come back.

My last day of ‘hilot’ was on a Wednesday 19^th of December. I met a lady patient whose leg was about to be amputated (gangrene) due to diabetes. She told me that it reached the stage when she has to take a jeep and all the passengers felt like vomiting. She has to take a taxi and begged the taxi driver just to take her in and she’ll double the fare. She went to Engr. Rivera and she is healed.

I felt a general physical well-being and a bonus of spiritual upliftment.

In the course of my sessions (5 times), I met different people from different strata in life. All are seeking to be healed.

But there will always be a question in one’s mind: why exchange a life of sure employment in consonance with one’s professional skills and commensurate salary and comfort and leisure it brings to a life devoted to healing people? There’s neither wealth nor fame there – only insults and skepticism - even after those medical doctors and very rich people who had been labeled by the hospitals as no hope of recovery had experienced for themselves the very positive end results. No other man will turn his back on the comfort that a fat salary/income would provide.

Why indeed? The answer IS very obvious – THY WILL BE DONE.

The catch: A very minimal fee of Five Hundred Pesos only if you call that a catch.

An appointment is absolutely needed because of the very hectic schedule he pursues.

For healing appointment, here’s the address:

Engineer Mel Rivera

176 San Antonio Valley 1

Paranaque City

(just 5 houses away from Paranaque City Hall)

Tel. No (02) 825-7666

Mobile No. 0915-2307630

Halloween, Masks et al...

2010-11-01T14:11:00.003+01:00

HALLOWEEN, Masks, et al...

But what does Halloween remind us of? ...Aside from its commercialism of course.

Being a Roman Catholic, I know, rather learnt that All Saints’ Day officially the Solemnity of All Saints is also called All Hallows or Hallowmas (‘hallows’ meaning saints and ‘mas’ meaning mass) to commemorate all the saints, noted and unknown. The saints would be those who have attained the beatification and canonization process and already in direct service to the Almighty in what we Catholics perceived as in Heaven. Rewarded for all the good deeds (in thoughts and in words and in actions) done while being held up via gravity here on Planet Earth and when released – PRESTO – the graduation rite: awards night! Commemoration slated every November 1^st . Collective ‘in memory’ of all saints.

And then comes November 2 – the All Souls Day – it’s for our dearly departed faithful who has not yet been purified and reached Heaven. It’s a big feast especially for Filipinos who go to the cemetery – the day before to clean and to dress-up the tomb. Something like preparing the ‘house’ for a once-a-year reunion of the family, a happy reunion. Candles are lighted. Fresh flowers offered. The dead are commemorated AND prayed for – the speedy passage to heaven – of course no one knows where they are at the moment. To play safe, prayers are offered. And then pray some more. Until the prayers become just perfunctorily recited. Because the graveyard becomes a noisy ‘park’ – for commercial purposes.

It is a Catholic’s obligation to celebrate All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Why? There is a basic belief that there is a spiritual thread between those who have died in the state of grace and those still for purification - meaning still in purgatory; the church triumphant and the church penitent respectively. Which bring me to another point – we pray to and for the dead. The saints lived once and our dear departed lived once also.

And the living? A.k.a. Church militant. And ‘militants’ being ‘militants’ – well – there are renegades or turn coats fleshwise.

The preceding evening, the Halloween is the "Vigil or Eve of All Hallows" which brings us to revelers of the flesh – 31^st October is one other time to put on the ‘mask’ - beautiful, grotesque, life-imitating-death, demons, evil, mythical monsters, ghosts, witches, vampires, skeletons and other mythical creatures. Originally, as in all superstitious beliefs like letting an infant wear something - a red thread perhaps or the most potent one in this modern time especially for women: wearing a mask called make-up to ward off or vice-versa) harmful spirits were warded off by the wearing of costumes and masks, disguising oneself as a harmful spirit and thus avoid harm. And then bonfires are built as a cleansing ritual in the festivities. Maybe, that’s why now we have lanterns only, safety reasons. Heard of arsons?

It’s also another excuse (for others) to mask the unmaskable. Sometimes, the masks wearers unconsciously pick the masks that ‘actually’ portray them – the ‘hideous’ creatures they are, proudly flaunted. Even already unmasked, one can see through the hideousness, no need of the sixth sense.

At any rate, all true Christian believers (and when one believes, one obeys and acts the tenets of ones creed Mother Theresa personified) are regarded as saints both ‘past’ and present. This belief is not limited to the Catholics. Other Christians also believe it so.

Guess, I would like to celebrate this as the festival of Samhain – the end of the ‘lighter half’ of the year and the beginning of the ‘darker half’ figuratively speaking. Very much like the grasshoppers that dance and play while the ants fastidiously gather food during the ‘lighter half’ in preparation for the ‘darker half.’

Meaning - I believe in the soul, after all.

(Wikipedia: Halloween is believed to have its origin as a pagan Festival of the Dead. Historian Nicholas Rogers, exploring the origins of Halloween, notes that while "some folklorists have detected its origins in the Roman feast of Pomona, the goddess of fruits and seeds, or in the festival of the dead called Parentalia, it is more typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain, whose original spelling was Samuin (pronounced sow-an or sow-in)". The name is derived from old Irish and means roughly "summer's end". The festival of Samhain celebrates the end of the "lighter half" of the year and beginning of the "darker half", and is sometimes regarded as the "Celtic New Year").

Ladies Night Out: Happy Birthday Khaye!!!

2010-10-14T09:16:00.003+01:00

‘LADIES NIGHT’ OUT

October 13, 2010. Got an urgent call from MCST Sr. Aurea at 5:50pm. I have to go home right now, dress up and I’ll be picked from there! Tall order. Quite complicated because Rose and myself are about to go to our university. I was just preparing to close and then proceed to Rose’s house. But then THAT call. I called Rose and had our date cancelled for today 14 Oct.

I was home by 6:20 pm. True enough. Here comes MCST Sr. Marylou with Khaye. Then Donna. We went back to the Nunciature and picked Sr. Efling and Sr. Aurea.

The driver didn’t know where to go. Secret?!!! I said: SOHO. Soho??? Okey, okey.. not Soho…maybe at Hilton – Domo Casino? Sisters’ eyes grew big. Giggled. I said, ‘why not?’ (I can still hear Angie’s voice – ‘demonyita!’)

Destination: Marco Polo Restaurant. Turned out, the sisters decided to treat Khaye for her birthday (Oct. 14) in advance! So sweet of them. And so it was. Sr. Marylou, Sr. Aurea, Sr. Efling, Khaye, Donna and me.

When a phone rang, I told them it must be Nuncio calling them back – All the sisters out??? Sr. Marylou assured me that the Nuncio is very much aware that they are going out. Talk of women’s lib. Turned out it was Apollo’s (the driver) wife wondering why the sisters are keeping him. Come to think of it – the only other guy who have access to the sisters is Apollo (a greek god – I mean the name). Had Sr. Ortencia been around, she would have pinched me.

As I looked at the sisters who had been an integral part of our lives here, I can not help but admire them. Here they are, seemingly doing mundane things as treating somebody for dinner, are doing the hardest and the most sublime occupation – complete submission to God.

Happy Birthday, Khaye.

Thank you, Sisters.

Somebody's Shaking My Foundation

2010-10-08T11:39:00.004+01:00

It is often said: To err is human; to forgive is divine. I think it is just one of those maxims to be revisited.

_________________________________________________________________

It happened. Just when you do not expect it. But of course nobody never ever really expect anything to happen unless one is sick or in an accident. Although everybody ‘thinks’ it’s always at the back of their minds – yes – just relegated at the back of one’s mind.

But for a relatively healthy individual, this is totally unexpected. Just 2 days after my birthday, after a quite hectic day in the office, I was looking forward to an early night’s rest. At 9:00 pm I felt cold creeping in. I put off the 2 AC units; the cold seeping into my body became stronger and stronger until I have to put on as a 3^rd layer a sweater and I jumped into bed and covered myself with blanket.

And then IT came – like a raging torrent, or like a volcano spewing lava – uncontrollable – as if all my insides are gorged out! But the amazing thing was that there was no warning sign – not even a rumbling tummy nor cramps! Just plain, grayish fluid tinged with blood – and yes, minute sprinkling of whatever remnants of food I took. I was found the following morning too weak to even lift a finger.

But what is so extra- ordinary there? There is at least an individual every minute suffering from this sudden ailment. So?

An extraordinary thing happened to me. I may have been in the throes of here-in-after/and or I may have been hallucinating/and or I may have been dreaming in between those lousy bouts of torrential ‘rain’/and or maybe from actual movies seen and were just stored somewhere in my sub-consciousness.

I was watching a hazy-movie-like-trailers dream. Only that the characters are the people I knew/know: Barbara in a white - crocheted dress with brother Neil; Nanay seated in that old rocking chair; Father reading the newspaper; Angie dozing off in a chair; Depti, Divya, Amalka with me on our way to office; Ampy holding her husband’s hand and swinging it; Maris with eyebrows knitted concentrating on something; full-haired Ramon in bell-bottomed trousers on a motorcycle; Jun Rosales waving; Eirene in the bus; Bebing (Jose) and me playing scrabble; Ate sweeping the rooftop and so many more that I can not recall now.

AND… I saw myself, in my St. Joseph’s School uniform (shame on me!) getting Mother’s necklace – that slim-gold bars-chain pawning it with my high school pals waiting outside!

AND …I felt HIS presence! Not HIM per se – not the blowing trumpets, brilliance galore…NO…not that sort; but a perception of sorts – and it reverberated and has nagged/jagged my conscience: of what happened a long, long time ago. Very true. HE forgave us and still doing it. But plain forgiveness did not stop there. HE died on the cross.

It came to me with clarity as if engraved in my brain: THAT saying (and asking) forgiveness in our souls and in our minds and in our hearts IS NOTHING unless something is done (not as drastic as nailing oneself or banging one’s head against a wall). Saying even with all sincerity the word ‘I forgive’ is just but another display of self-arrogance, of I-do-good-myself, of feeding the ego of self-importance. Of beating one’s chest ala Tarzan: it’s off my chest – I forgave – I’m okay now because I will be forgiven, too…

But what then? Rectify the error to the best of your ability with no other intent except to rectify.

And if it fails? We keep on failing HIM and HE keeps on trying to rectify in many ways even when we all turn our backs on HIM.

What happened to me then might have been a pigment of my feverish brain and almost dehydrated frame (what an ignominious style of wasting away!); Basically I am the same. Although, I may have changed – a bit, maybe.

I BELIEVE AND I STILL BELIEVE.

BIRTH DAYS

2010-09-27T08:44:00.005+01:00

BIRTH DAYS

Big deal! At the age of 11, not so cool anymore. Suddenly it’s a BIG BANG at 18! And who wouldn’t? ALREADY a young adult and treated as such. And on and on and on….

Until you reach a certain age when birthdays are celebrated with genuine gratefulness – the age when all frivolities are shed and priorities are defined. When families are friends and friends are families.

Like me. Today, my friendships are more satisfying and deeper. The superficial façade of a tear-jerker problem-laced friendships are stripped off – just the PLAIN NAKED TRUTH of friendship. We are no longer self-involved that we itemized every detail of what is said – that is: if ever, I mean IF EVER there is something offensive – attention is immediately called and rectified – no recriminations nor dramatic effect.

We rarely ask from each other anything as we can sufficiently provide. And of course, without asking, we pool resources if there is a need.

This type of friendship is cultured and nurtured.

There are ‘friends’ of years and years standing and later find out the mask worn is so thick that one has to use a very strong detergent to peel the layers and layers of deceit deeply embedded in their hearts and soul. DISCARD THEM! It’s one of the benefits of gaining another year – no need of actually showing that you don’t care because YOU CAN ACTUALLY NOT CARE!

And as the saying goes, we can not choose our relatives but we can choose our friends.

To all my friends scattered and sprinkled all over the world:

I THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING ME!

SACRIFICE

2010-08-20T16:21:00.005+01:00

SACRIFICE

It is another weekend yet again. And with me is the first book of Marie Corelli written in 1886 – A Romance of Two Worlds.

Maybe, I was just ‘skimming through’ my faith. Maybe, I was just spoon-fed with lessons about christianity. About the Ultimate Sacrifice. But after reading this book
I pondered and thought hard. And I believe I can understand better.

An excerpt:

…’CHRIST DID NOT DIE BECAUSE GOD NEEDED A SACRIFICE. The idea of sacrifice is a relic of heathen barbarism; God is too infinitely loving to desire the sacrifice of EVEN the smallest flower. He is too patient to be ever wrathful; and barbaric ignorance confronts us again in the notion that He should need to be appeased. And the fancy that He should desire Himself or part of Himself to become a sacrifice to Himself has arisen out of the absurd and conflicting opinions of erring humanity, wherein right and wrong are so jumbled together that it is difficult to distinguish one from the other. Christ's death was not a sacrifice; it was simply a means of confidence and communion with the Creator. A sinless Spirit suffered to show us how to suffer; lived on earth to show us how to live; prayed to show us how to pray; died to show us how to die; rose again to impress strongly upon us that there was in truth a life beyond this one, for which He strove to prepare our souls.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -

On Reincarnation

...’But there is one thing it can never escape from--MEMORY. And in that faculty is constituted Hell. So that if a man, by choice, forces his soul DOWNWARD to inhabit hereafter the bodies of dogs, horses, and other like animals, he should know that he does so at the cost of everything except Remembrance. Eternal Retrogression means that the hopelessly tainted electric germ recoils further and further from the Pure Centre whence it sprang, ALWAYS BEARING WITHIN ITSELF the knowledge of WHAT IT WAS ONCE and WHAT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN. There is a pathetic meaning in the eyes of a dog or a seal; in the melancholy, patient gaze of the oxen toiling at the plough; there is an unuttered warning in the silent faces of flowers; there is more tenderness of regret in the voice of the nightingale than love; and in the wild upward soaring of the lark, with its throat full of passionate, shouting prayer, there is shadowed forth the yearning hope that dies away in despair as the bird sinks to earth again, his instincts not half satisfied.

There is no greater torture than to be compelled to remember, in suffering, joys and glorious opportunities gone for ever.

HAVE A NICE AND FRUITFUL WEEKEND.

A Moral Lesson

2010-07-09T12:30:00.005+01:00

A WISE MAN IS NOT NECESSARILY A SMART MAN!!!

Keep this in mind the next time you are about to entertain a rumor or spread gossip.

In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day an acquaintance ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about Diogenes?"

"Wait a moment," Socrates replied, "Before you tell me I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter Test."

'Triple filter?" asked the acquaintance.

"That's right," Socrates continued, "Before you talk to me about Diogenes let's take a moment to filter what you're going to say. The first filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"No," the man said, "Actually I just heard about it."

"All right," said Socrates, "So you don't really know if it's true or not. Now let's try the second filter, the filter of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about Diogenes something good?"

"No, on the contrary..." "So," Socrates continued, "You want to tell me something about Diogenes that may be bad, even though you're not certain it's true?"

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued, "You may still pass the test though, because there is a third filter, the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about Diogenes going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really."

"Well," concluded Socrates, "If what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even useful, why tell it to me or anyone at all?"

The man was bewildered and ashamed.

This is an example of why Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.

It also explains why Socrates never found out that Diogenes was sleeping with his wife.

Through the Eyes of a Child

2010-04-21T08:40:00.003+01:00

The Bible in a Nutshell

Through the eyes of a child:
A friend sent this to me this early morning, and I am laughing heartily – my boss is calling me and I am still chuckling!
Do children ACTUALLY understand what the catechists are teaching them? I believe they do …in their own way as accommodated in their technology-infested world.

The Children's Bible in a Nutshell

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that.
Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.
Then God made the world.
He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.
Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eatin' .
Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.
Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.
One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.
God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti.. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments.
These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff.
Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.
After Joshua came David.. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.
After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets.
One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Democrats.
Jesus also had twelve opossums.
The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.
Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount.
But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again.
He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

Have a nice mid-week.

A SHORT PUFF

2010-03-26T11:20:00.002+01:00

JUST A REMINDER

A short puff can go a long but fast way down the cliff.

A recent health advice shows that lifestyle changes in areas such as smoking, diet, exercise and sun exposure can play a significant role in risk for several cancers.

HAVE A NICE WEEKEND.

MATHEMATICS

2010-03-25T12:58:00.005+01:00

SADDEST LOVE STORIES IN MOST UNUSUAL ANGLES

MATH tells us three of the saddest love stories:
a. tangent lines who had one chance to meet and then parted forever,

b. parallel lines who were never meant to meet,
and

c. asymptotes who can get closer and closer but will never be together.

Do parallel lines meet in curved space?

Or at infinity?

Would it somehow be alpha or infinity, that is approaching zero but will never be equal to zero?

Sad, indeed!

The Lotus

2010-02-23T12:56:00.003+01:00

The Lotus
The lotus grows from the mud, up through clean water, and arising from the deep to produce a beautiful flower.

While growing from the mud, it is unstained.

This symbolizes that even from the darkest and most humble beginnings there is always the potential for purity and perfection.

The growth of its pure beauty from the mud of its origin holds a benign spiritual promise.

May we all have the grace and blessings from our Lord Jesus Christ that we may all be purified and sanctified especially this Lenten Season.

A Liberating New Decade

2010-02-10T07:20:00.007+01:00

A NEW DECADE - 2010

- A liberating decade -

- Liberated from all fears and anxieties,

- Liberated from all forms of terrorism

political terrorism

religious terrorism

economic terrorism

environmental terrorism....

May we all be liberated from all pains and diseases, from heartaches and woes,

from hunger and thirst.

May we all be enveloped in the love and warmth of the family of mankind.

C is for COMMERCIALISM

2009-12-05T07:59:00.005+01:00

C is for COMMERCIALISM

C used to mean a lot to us - Christ, Christians, Christmas. Christ is the reason for Christmas. But Christ somehow got lost in the translation of CHRISTMAS. It meant now COSTLY synonymous with commercialism, incorporated in Claus of Santa fame.

Here is a passage written in 2005 by Fr. Jerry Orbos. This was sent to me by a very good friend. I think this will be relevant for all seasons for all the reasons contained therein.

"...Many of us are good shoppers. We shun that which is fake and costly. A good advise is to put the tag "FAKE" and "COSTLY" to any temptation that comes our way. The devil is a genius in ensnaring us into giving in to deceitful, fleeting pleasures, the effects of which on our character, on our relationships, even on our health and peace of mind, and yes, also on our souls, are very costly and long lasting.

When tempted, just ask the question "Is it worth it?"

What is a moment compared to a lifetime to eternity?"

THE SECRETS OF SUCCESS

2009-11-18T09:27:00.011+01:00

WHERE DO WE FIND THE SECRETS OF SUCCESS?

A friend sent me this and indeed I found this nugget of wisdom to be very true!

When I woke up this morning lying in bed,

I was asking myself;

what are some of the secrets of success in life?

I found the answer right there, in my very room:

The FAN said,

‘Be cool.’

The ROOF said,

‘Aim high.’

The WINDOW said,

‘See the world.’

The CLOCK said,

‘Every minute is precious.’

The MIRROR said,

‘Reflect before you act.’

The CALENDAR said,

‘Be up-to-date.’

The DOOR said,

‘Push hard for your goals.’

Finally:

Carry a Heart that Never Hates.

Carry a Smile that Never Fades.

Carry a Touch that Never Hurts.

Have a nice mid-week, everyone.

The Island of Mindoro

2009-10-08T07:58:00.002+01:00

Mindoro
Mindoro island comprises of Occidental and Oriental. As its name suggests - Mindoro means Mina de Oro - literally Mine of Gold (Gold Mine).
Inspite of the repeated resistance of the inhabitants to mining, the government still issues permit to mine the land.
Why? all in the name of progress? progress in what?
The government can only see the 'progress that will line the pockets'...the inheritance of the people is discarded outright.
Why do we have natural disasters? Just asking.

The Last Stand for The Alangan

The Alangan forest people on the Philippine island of Mindoro are frightened. The sound of test drilling can be heard several places in the jungle they are dependent on. The land they have inherited from their ancestors is threatened by Norwegian mining operations.

Source: www.framtiden.no

A GOOD TEST OF A PERSON’S CHARACTER IS HIS BEHAVIOR WHEN HE IS WRONG.

2009-09-09T07:19:00.003+01:00

A very good friend sends me everyday 'The Daily Bread' and I always look forward to receiving this. And this particular snippet made me think. The verity of this is so profound. We always make excuses or alibis or resort to blaming others just to save our ass so to speak.

So now we have a solid test for a person's character.

THE CHIMP’S BIRTHDAY CARD

“The man said, “ The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”- Genesis 3:12

Not long ago my wife asked me to pick up a belated birthday card for her brother. Scanning the rack, I ran across a card with a chimpanzee on the front holding a phone receiver in his hand.

This is what is said: “ I better not hear…about how upset you are that I missed your birthday. I mean, how do you know I wasn’t in a serious car accident and lying in some ditch out in the middle of nowhere?....Well, I may have forgotten your birthday, but I didn’t exactly get any phone calls to see if I was okay. All I know is you better have a good excuse why I didn’t hear from you on your birthday!”

The extent to which people avoid legitimate responsibility is almost laughable, but it is nothing new. When God confronted Adam for eating the forbidden fruit, he chose to blame his wife and God: “ The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate” (Genesis 3:12).

When we have done something wrong, we can either accept legitimate blame for what we have done or shift the blame to others. The way that pleases God and results in spiritual growth is to accept personal responsibility for our actions. Irrationally blaming others is no laughing matter.- Dennis Fisher

His eye our secret thoughts behold,
His mercies all our lives enfold,
He knows our purposes untold,
You cannot hide from God- Ackley

A GOOD TEST OF A PERSON’S CHARACTER IS HIS BEHAVIOR WHEN HE IS WRONG.

Hear ye, Friends!

2009-08-15T08:17:00.003+01:00

I receive this message from a friend. Thank God for friends. I want to share this with you.

---------

To all my friends ....
This is something we should all read at least once a week!

Written By:

Regina Brett , 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, and then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles..

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves.

Have a nice weekend.

Adultery Made Easier via Technology

2009-08-11T13:31:00.004+01:00

Adultery Made Easier

All over the world, no matter how permissive the society is, cheating is always treated as a capital offense. Any contract be it written, verbal, or physical is binding.

The contract most breached is the marriage contract. The cheating spouse goes to any length to cheat.

Now, for all those tech-savvy married horndogs, extramarital affairs are easily facilitated – just a click away and presto – a like-minded cheater is found within minutes.

Thanks to AshleyMadison.com – no more tracks on work or home computers – the apps are loaded from phones’ browsers with only a little help from iPhone and Blackberry. No more trails.

Marital institution is the most expensive tool in life. Therefore in this world of commercialism and consumerism, marriage and everything it entails is a very lucrative business. Scandals one after the other continue to grace every TV news, every newspaper and in every gathering and every cocktail party. Profiteering from marital pain, broken hearts, ruined marriages and traumatized families. Infidelity is repackaged. Bad choices, broken promises and faithlessness is in vogue and as trendy as botox and restylane. A common occurrence with almost a tone of normalcy to it.

This world today is reminiscent of the Biblical times when Moses went up to meet the Big Boss in the bush. While he was away to discuss business and propose a better living condition, his people engaged in every merrymaking conceivable to them, the most popular being fornication.

An excerpt from Time.com:
“For the married ‘horndogs’ out there, sites like EstablishedMen.com and SeekingArrangement.com all offer variations on the theme.
But AshleyMadison is the most successful site openly capitalizing on extramarital affairs.

And for that, CEO Noel Biderman offers no apologies. "Humans aren't meant to be monogamous," he says.

So would this free-thinking CEO mind if his own wife used his site? "I would be devastated," he says.”

NO OTHER WAY BUT TO LOOK UP

2009-07-30T09:14:00.006+01:00

The world is a mess. there is no other way but TO LOOK UP!

GOD'S GIFTS

God and His beauty are all around us

God doesn't require us to succeed; He only requires that you try.

- Mother Theresa

What we are is God's gift to us.

what we become is our gift to God.

- Eleanor Powell

God loves us the way we are, but too much to leave us that way.

- Leighton Ford

God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas, but for scars.

- Elbert Hubbard

We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only to learn that it is God who is shaking them.

- Charles C. West

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.

The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.

We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life.

The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

- Rick Warren

Quo Vadis El Mundo?

The constant stupidity and irresponsible actions of RESPONSIBLE people punish people like you and me!

- veninovi

The Good Corn

2009-07-11T16:09:00.004+01:00

THE GOOD CORN
Genesis: the world was completed in seven days. Well, however/whatever it means – 7 days. Just 7 days! And us HUMANS being just humans, in pursuit of whatever we are pursuing, must have messed up the Earth. End result is WAR. Conflicts. Differences.

Nations. Among peoples. Among ourselves.

A friend sent this thought-provoking episode.

The Good Corn

There was a farmer who grew superior quality and award-winning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won honour and prizes.

One day a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learnt something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors.

"How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbours when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?" the reporter asked.

"Why sir," said the farmer, "didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field.If my neighbours grow inferior, sub-standard and poor quality corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbours grow good corn."

The farmer gave a superb insight into the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbour's corn also improves.

So it is in other dimensions! Those who choose to be at harmony must help their neighbours and colleagues to be at peace.

Those who choose to live well must help others to live well, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches.

And those who choose to be happy must help others to find happiness for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all.

BUT… are we prepared to do so? Human nature is geared towards self-preservation that leads to selfishness that leads to nowhere.

Actions are always met with matching reactions. Everybody lives in a glass house, in a stark moral universe where a realm of complete transparency and total responsibility MUST BE the norm.

HAVE A BLISSFUL WEEKEND!!!

BUDDHIST WISDOM

2009-06-20T07:08:00.004+01:00

DAILY BUDDHIST WISDOM

His Holiness The Dalai Lama

In my own experience, the period of greatest gain in knowledge and experience is the most difficult period in one's life...

Through a difficult period, you can learn, you can develop inner strength, determination and courage to face the problem.

Who gives you this chance?

YOUR ENEMY!

Have a nice weekend free from worries and cares.

WHY WORRY? BE HAPPY!

2009-05-08T08:20:00.000+01:00

If you want the truth,
I’ll tell you the truth:
Listen to the secret sound,
the real sound,
which is inside you.
- Kabir, 1440-1518
Indian Poet and Mystic

WHY WORRY? BE HAPPY!
Don’t we always hear this? Strict adherence to this tenet is very good for our well-beings. But do we actually know what is good for us? Human beings, the beings as we are, will always worry. Make a fuss. Too much ado. Too much care. Over nothing and almost everything.

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry. Two whole days! Free from fear and apprehension.

One of these days is YESTERDAY - with all its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains.

YESTERDAY HAS PASSED FOREVER BEYOND OUR CONTROL. ALL THE WEALTH AND POWER IN THE WHOLE WORLD CAN NOT BRING BACK YESTERDAY.

We can not undo a single act we performed; we can not erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone forever.

The other day we should not worry about is TOMORROW - with all its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and its poor performance.
TOMORROW is also beyond our immediate control.
Tomorrow’s sun will rise, either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds, but it will rise.

Until it does, we have no stake in TOMORROW, for it is yet to be born.

This leaves only one day, TODAY. Any person can fight the battle OF just one day. It is THE ONLY DAY when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities. When you and I can make or break our life!

What today will be like is up to us. We get to choose what kind of day we will have. We are responsible for what we do TODAY, no matter how we feel. We are responsible for who we become BECAUSE OF TODAY. If we do not control our attitude today, it will control us. We can do something in an instant TODAY that will give us heartache for life.

We may opt to have integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that can enrich, empower or encourage others to emulate the example we set. It strengthens our character.

It is not the experience of today that drives a person mad. It is the remorse or bitterness of something which happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.

A famous preacher once said, ‘Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one. The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy. We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness… This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.’

Let us, therefore, live but one day at a time. What we become tomorrow doesn’t happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice.

"I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again."

HOPE

2009-04-23T09:51:00.000+01:00

THE BIG PAUSE
From Palm Sunday to the Crucifixion and death of Jesus on Good Friday and the Ressurection on Easter Sunday, Christians on this planet made THE BIG PAUSE.

Whatever we have been doing, we made a pause.

Sometimes, this PAUSE causes us to make a U-turn, maybe for the better; maybe for the worst. It depends on how we reflect on the life we lead.

Most of us lead a life that best suits us only. A life that will give us earthly pleasure. (After all, nobody ever came back from the after-world to tell us whether the life we are leading is really the life we ought to live). We forgot that we do not live only with people who we intimately/carnally know.

We forgot that every action we make has its corresponding reaction.

One small lapse of judgment every day. One bad thought. One bad word. One tiny little slander. Procrastination. Bad temper. A sharp tongue. Toxic vocabulary. Bad attitude. Tardiness. Pride. One malicious innuendo.

Excess baggage we lug around with all day long. The kind of stuff we feed our soul. We put them on show for people to applaud. And then, we swell and swagger. A peacock spreading its plumes.

Then we become numb and our senses no longer function. We only see ourselves, others are mere shadows. So, we continue.

We are unable to see that all anyone ever has is TODAY. YESTERDAY is gone and TOMORROW exists only in hope.

We do not have to wait for tomorrow, for a favorable circumstance to do fine things.
The only time that is surely ours is the present.

But then again, we have the gift of EASTER SUNDAY, THE BIG PAUSE. And HOPE - hope that God brought into the world through Christ's Resurrection, dispelling the darkness of sin and death.

Hope cherishes no illusions, nor does it yield to cynicism.

Resurrection Sunday reminds us that God has the last word.

A LENTEN MESSAGE FROM ME TO YOU

2009-04-09T17:24:00.002+01:00

NEVER LEAVE BEHIND REGRETS

Too often, we don’t realize what we have until it is gone;
Too often, we wait too late to say ‘I’m sorry – I was wrong.’
Sometimes, it seems we hurt the ones we hold dearest to our hearts;
And we allow foolish things to tear our lives apart.
Far too many times we let unimportant things into our minds;

We allow our errors in judgment, repeated everyday,
to lead us down the wrong path
And then it’s usually too late to see what made us blind.

So be sure that you let people know how much they mean to you.
Take that time to say the words before your time is through.
Be sure that you appreciate everything you’ve got
And be thankful for the Little Things in Life that mean a lot.

Growing old is a privilege denied to many…

Never leave behind regrets.

‘Past the seeker as he prayed came the crippled and the beggar and the beaten.
And seeing them…he cried, ‘Great God, how is it that a loving creator can see
such things and yet do nothing about them?’…
God said, ‘I did do something. I made you.’
…Sufi Teaching

FRIENDS ARE SOULMATES

2009-03-31T17:08:00.005+01:00

Friendship is the foundation for any relationship that stands the test of time.

And friends are our Soul Mates.
Yes, I believe they exist in many forms.
Family, children, friends are parts of our Soul Mates Family.
It is often misconstrued that a soulmate is simply a person in love.
A perfect ‘SOUL MATE’ is a person who challenges your ‘SOUL’ to grow.

At birth, we cling to our mother, then to our immediate family and then to our extended families. As we grow, our horizon expands. Yet we retain the members of our family we became friends with. Of course the relatives stay, well, as relatives.

As the years pass, we gain friends. We also ‘discard’ friends along the way. It would have been nicer if we accumulate rather than discard. But we can not help it. Many times, our emotions and feelings, often always prove us wrong in our choices of friends.

We acquire friends, special friends, best friends, all types of friends – but deep inside us, a friend is a friend. All friends are special. And it is believe that friends are angels sent to us.

And that is the most scary thing: we become like who we hang around with.

Why? Because we unconsciously model the attitudes, beliefs & values of the people we're exposed to on a daily basis. Friends are not clothes we wrap around our bodies and throw away when we feel or see that it does not fit us anymore. And that is the more reason why we have to choose wisely who we spend time with – whether for friendship or as life-time partner.

When a friend goes wayward or something goes awry, we try as much as possible to comfort, to ease the pain, to show the error even at the risk of being vented the anger upon. When we know that our friend is basically good, we keep trying to help even when he/she is beyond help, even when they do not try to help themselves. We always feel a certain protectiveness to a true and tested friend.

But when we realize that a friend is actually NOT a friend, then, we feel liberated.

There is no apt description for a FRIEND. But whoever said this best explains the VALUE OF A FRIEND.

‘Never take some one for granted. Hold every person close to your heart because you might wake up one day and realize that you have lost a diamond while you were too busy collecting stones.’

PEACE WITHIN

2009-03-21T16:20:00.003+01:00

PEACE
Why is Peace so elusive? Even in the deep recesses of our minds, something else intrudes. When a person meditates, is there peace attained? We can exhaust all the books, listen to lectures and sermons on how to attain peace and yet nobody can ever truly say he had entered the true realm of peace. A person can be happy. But will there be peace?

Happiness and peace go hand in hand. One can rightfully be happy and yet there may be some unsettling thoughts or ideas (these can be brushed aside) that can stir the peace within.

As long as the human brain functions, peace will not reign supreme within himself and within a larger group and within the entire universe.

Blessed are the children who can have both peace and happiness unabridged, unhampered by adults’ bickering and selfish thoughts and actions.

In the midst of crisis, happiness is fragile and peace is volatile. Every day there is a new crisis that reminds us life is so short.

In a larger scale, people of strong faith can only turn to the Creator of the universe, begging and praying for peace.

PEACE
Let us pray for:
peace of mind for the worried,
peace for those suffering in domestic violence,
peace for those at war,
peace for those in mental or physical pain,
peace for the suffering, weak or hungry,
peace for those who have lost a loved one,
peace for those battling within,
peace in the midst of, no matter how small, the chaos.

Every day there is someone, somewhere who needs prayers.

Henri-Frédéric Amiel, 1821-1881

2009-03-13T16:13:00.001+01:00

THOUGHT-PROVOKING
FROM AN ANCIENT PHILOSOPHER
AND STILL HAUNTS AND CAN HAUNT...

(...must one choose to be a mere object because one has lost the values inherent in human nature?)

He who floats with the current,
who does not guide himself according to higher principles,
who has no ideal,
no convictions –
such a man is a mere article of the world's furniture –
a thing moved,
instead of a living and moving being –
an echo, not a voice.

Henri-Frédéric Amiel, 1821-1881
Swiss Poet and Philosopher

I found this gem in Inspiration Peak and would like to share with anyone who cares about ideals and values - one for the weekend.

GROW

2009-03-11T15:05:00.003+01:00

It is a word that encompasses almost everything. Be it physical, moral, spiritual, temporal. Be it power or prowess. It is a very active word. Taking a life of its own. We rejoice when it is nurtured. We lament when it is diminished.

And growing pains are inevitable. We can see it. We can feel it. In everything. In emotions particularly. When we are overwhelmed with stress and the problems of life.

During these times, many people call out to God, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, Moses, The Virgin Mary, their guardian angels, and any other force we can think of to help us. Sometimes we get help. Sometimes we don’t. Often, we are left wondering if there is any way to make a clearer connection to the Creator. In a time of need, it is our nature to cry out to the Creator for help.

It becomes a growth, a religious superficial growth. So that life will grow beautiful once more.

There is one tale I came across. It sums up growth. Which ones will we nurture to grow and ones we suppress that others may grow?

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.

"The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply stated, "The one you feed."

The Twelve Gifts of Birth

2009-03-04T13:09:00.003+01:00

by Charlene Costanzo
© 2001, HarperCollins Publishers. Reprinted with permission.

Once upon a time, a long time ago, when princes and princesses lived in faraway kingdoms, royal children were given twelve special gifts when they were born. You may have heard the stories. Twelve wise women of the kingdom, or fairy godmothers as they were often called, traveled swiftly to the castle whenever a new prince or princess came into the world. Each fairy godmother pronounced a noble gift upon the royal baby.

As time went on, the wise women came to understand that the twelve royal gifts of birth belong to every child, born anywhere at anytime. They yearned to proclaim the gifts to all children, but the customs of the land did not allow that.

One day when the wise women gathered together they made this prophecy:

Some day, all the children of the world will learn the truth about their noble inheritance. When that happens a miracle will unfold on the kingdom of Earth.

Some day is near.

Here is the secret they want you to know.

At the wondrous moment you were born, as you took your first breath, a great celebration was held in the heavens and twelve magnificent gifts were granted to you.

The first gift is STRENGTH. May you remember to call upon it whenever you need it.

The second gift is BEAUTY. May your deeds reflect its depth.

The third gift is COURAGE. May you speak and act with confidence and use courage to follow your own path.

The fourth gift is COMPASSION. May you be gentle with yourself and others. May you forgive those who hurt you and yourself when you make mistakes.

The fifth gift is HOPE. Through each passage and season, may you trust the goodness of life.

The sixth gift is JOY. May it keep your heart open and filled with light.

The seventh gift is TALENT. May you discover your own special abilities and contribute them toward a better world.

The eighth gift is IMAGINATION. May it nourish your visions and dreams.

The ninth gift is REVERENCE. May you appreciate the wonder that you are and the miracle of all creation.

The tenth gift is WISDOM. Guiding your way, wisdom will lead you through knowledge to understanding. May you hear its soft voice.

The eleventh gift is LOVE. It will grow each time you give it away.

The twelfth gift is FAITH. May you believe.

Now you know about your twelve gifts of birth. But there is more to the secret that the wise women knew. Use your gifts well and you will discover others, among them a gift that is uniquely you. See these noble gifts in other people. Share the truth and be ready for the miracle to unfold as the prophecy of the wise women comes true.
__________________________________________________________________
I came across this beautiful piece that I would want to share with everyone.
Let us all have a rebirth to keep the twelve gifts of birth for the prophecy to come true.

A TALE OF TWO FRAUDSTERS

2009-02-20T16:09:00.002+01:00

Bernard L. Madoff (born April 29, 1938 in New York City) will go down history as the perpetrator of the largest investor fraud ever committed by a single person. With his credentials being an american businessman and former chairman of the NASDAQ stock exchange, founder and chairman of the Wall Street firm Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC, nobody will ever think of him as a fraudulent man.

He does not have the looks of Hollywood movies’ swindler. He looks like the ever perfect CEO, suave, benevolent, and an expert in his field.

Sir Robert Allen Stanford (born March 24, 1950) is a prominent financier, philanthropist, and sponsor of professional sports ie cricket. He holds dual citizenship, having become a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda and the first American to be knighted by that Commonwealth nation and was presented with the honour by the then Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir James Carlisle. He was charged by the SEC with fraud and multiple violations of U.S. securities laws for alleged "massive ongoing fraud" involving $8 billion in certificates of deposits.

He has the looks and stance of a Hollywood movie star – debonair and has the flair for high life.

What has this two personages (born 12 years apart) got that prominent individuals succumbed to their charm and became ‘willing’ victims? Looks, as always, is very deceiving.

So much has been dug about the lives of these two individuals. For lay people in business (like you and me), there is only a simple analysis, which the high and the mighty refuse to acknowledge in themselves.

The key word is GREEDINESS. They played on the greediness inherent in every individual. There is no such word as contentment in their vocabulary. There should always be ‘a little more’ millions, ‘a little more’ income, ‘a little more’ of everything that consumes ones being. ‘A little more’ stamp of approval from peers, from the society. The ‘giddy’ feeling that became so intoxicating.

And the sound of the crash is so deafening.

Same is true with mere mortals like you and me.

We trade in the true and trusted path with the unknown.

Gives a certain ‘high,’ an aura of being an ‘accomplished’ person.

Never mind the gnawing truth that seeps in, brush it away.

Until the castle in the sand is carried by the wave.

And the devastation is total.

St. Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T14:22:00.004+01:00

When everything is commercialized, to express ones feelings and emotions would be very expensive. We are saturated with advertisements, 'cute' things that cost fortunes, fancy clubs and restaurants, celebrations like Valentine's Day make one anticipate and dread at the same time such events.
No matter how we celebrate, to whom we celebrate with, where we celebrate, let us not forget that there IS only ONE great LOVE.

A Happy Valentines' Day to Everyone...

GOODBYE 2008 THE YEAR OF THE RAT

2009-02-11T15:30:00.009+01:00

Looking back, now that we are somehow taking in the reins of 2009, the year of the RAT is what it really is – A Rat!
It was definitely a rat race. .

There was a global change. Not because of the natural disasters nor the human tragedies – knowing that terrorist attacks go on and on, displaced people, hunger, poverty, each nation fighting its own kind of war.
But the global change was due to the election of the first ever black person as president of the United States of America.
He signifies HOPE. And that’s it.

The year of the rat actually brought changes. Rat is a hoarder. Meaning a hard worker – to reap or to explode later. We will know if the Hope in the year of the rat will transform itself into tangible elements in the year of the Ox

From my own perspective, the Year of the Rat brought forth an insight, a thorough examination of my Id and those around me.

As with the rat's characteristics, the change gnawed at my gut, ever silent, ever stealthy. And PRESTO! It became crystal clear.

I suddenly realized I am rich – (not financial, my standing is still the same) in FRIENDS!

The friends I have are genuine and the one I thought is genuine has feet of clay, deformed, decayed and rotten.

In spite of the disappointments and pleasant surprises,
the only event that made me very, very sad is to watch the very slow, agonizing death of a moral fiber.

And then… life goes on… rosy and bright.

WELCOME 2009 THE YEAR OF THE OX

THIS THING CALLED LIFE

2009-02-06T16:10:00.005+01:00

"Sure, everyone always said 'Socrates what is the meaning of life?'
or 'Socrates how can I find happiness?', but did anyone ever say 'Socrates hemlock is poison.'?!" --Socrates

Life is an amazing thing. When we stop for a moment and think about it, despite all the pain and sorrow it can entail, life is awesome. We were deserving enough of life to be given that, so anything we might want while we’re here is a mere trifle in comparison.

Yes, let us stop for a moment. Let us feel the air going in and out of our lungs. We take the air for granted. So we should. It does not have to be deserved, earned or worked for. It is ours. No further qualification is necessary. It is an entitlement.

The universe gives us all that it gives without condition (our lives, our breath,the gravity that holds us to the earth). The universe has been literally munificent.

Still, humans as we are, there is no ‘100% satisfaction guarantee’.
What do we want from life? Rather, what are we still expecting from life? Why are we not satisfied on what we have?

We are all addicts – addicted to things, emotions, feelings, and everything (without exception) which we think are relevant to our existence. From the very moment we were born, we already demanded for our own spot in the universe. We inherited the idea of building a foundation in life – solid and secure. And from the foundation, we grow up – some, like well-behaved automatons, bound by formality, tradition, and appearances lacking genuine warmth and spontaneity. Others become people of depth and substance.

We are hoarders. We cram our lives. We absorb everything even wallow in apathy and stagnation.

We think we desire things and experiences, but what we actually want is the ‘feelings’ those things will get us. We strive. Strive more. And more. To get what we want. What we thought we want. The bottom line is – happiness. That elusive factor.

Because our society propagates the myth of ‘I’ll be happy when……’

We become very busy. We hoard and then … hoard some more – material and temporal. We worry and hurry through our day. We cram so much into our lives. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves, ‘I’ll do this when all the conditions are perfect.’
‘Right now, I have to earn more, so I have a tidy income for that rainy day.' 'Right now, I have to get that to show off – add prestige to my status in life.’ ‘Someday, when things are settled down a bit.’

We forgot that Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to our selves gets longer.

One morning, we find that we are just what we are – empty shell.

We forgot LIFE itself. We forgot to cherish and feel content with our own irreplaceable life, like an unopened gift…thrown away. We forgot to live with honesty and integrity.

What would happen if we could experience happiness independent of the external conditions of our life?

Unconditional happiness!

Can We Keep This Alive?

2009-01-30T14:40:00.013+01:00

2009 began and so soon the first month is over.
Let us welcome the month of February in THE YEAR OF THE OX with caution and most of all … with HOPE.

LESSONS IN LIFE

2009-01-23T12:12:00.004+01:00

THAT ELUSIVE HAPPINESS FACTOR
The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything that they have!!

HOT CHOCOLATE
A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were discussing their lives at a class reunion. They decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired, who was always an inspiration to them.
During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work, lives and relationships.
Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups. Some cups were porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite. He invited each to help themselves to the hot chocolate.
When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor shared his thoughts.

“Notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones.”
“While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that becomes the source of your problems and stress.”
“The cup that you are drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink.”
“What each of you really wanted was hot chocolate. You did not want the cup . . .
but you consciously went for the best cups.”
“And soon, you began to eye one another’s cups.”
“Now friends, please consider this . . .
“Life is the hot chocolate . . .
your job, money and position in society are the cups.”
“They are just tools to hold and contain life.”
“The cup you have does not define, nor does it change, the quality of life you are living.”
“Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate God has provided us.”

Always remember this . . . . . . . . . .
God brews the hot chocolate, He does not choose the cup.

The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything that they have!!

Live simply . . .
Love generously . . .
Care deeply . . .
Speak kindly . . .
Leave the rest to God.

~ and remember ~
The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least.
A Blessed Family Day to one and all!

Enjoy your hot chocolate!!

THAT ELUSIVE FACTOR CALLED HAPPINESS

2009-01-19T13:35:00.007+01:00

Celebrities, leaders of nations, millionaires, gods and goddesses, fell into the same quagmire like us - mere mortals. People who have it all – fame, power, wealth and prestige – still look for ‘that something’ that leads to ones downfall. They actually bring into fruition acts with consequences no average sane person will bring upon himself. They succumbed to desperation that leads to moral decay and spiritual stagnation.

Why must an individual who is respected, well-loved, a pillar of strength and wisdom, become the blight of every principle he stands for? Is it in pursuit of that elusive happiness or plain greed? Greedy to be happy, to be the envy of fellowmen, to have the name immortalized in the annals of history?

It is so painful to watch a moral fiber give in to the call of the flesh – of everything that the flesh calls for, be it recognition, adoration from puppy-eyed mortals or plain lust for life. To watch a pillar crumble, a deity with clay feet, maybe chilly. But a well-respected individual making a fool of himself and being proud of doing so is plain idiotic if not pathetic. Just to gain, with eyes open, a notorious prestige, if ever there is one, is a mistake. Purposely mistaken – cruelly purposely mistaken. To oneself, to the family and to ones hinterland.

Somehow, especially to middle-aged individuals, desecrating oneself is an achievement; exhilarating, liberating as if in doing so, escapes from the encumbering limitations of an aging frame. It might be forgivable if the act is done by young people, say lacking maturity and wisdom. Still trying to find ones own niche in life, carving an impression.

But an adult? Unless the adult did not have the moral values inculcated at a young age or did not have enough recognition or had an experience that left a deep trauma in ones ego, or justified by the fact that the familial obligations had already been met.

How does it happen? Here is a classic example. Normally, a middle-aged individual is befriended by somebody from a different stratum (in all aspects) and baits with one’s life story (no self-respecting individual will pour ones life’s story to somebody barely met; somebody doing so is suspect), most usually the role of a victim with all the theatrics. Asks for advice for whatever step to take. This style has been used over and over until a sucker comes along. The gullible middle-aged person (already having the middle-aged crises) takes pity at first and then hooked forever.

Why? Because of the adjectives that follow: virile, attractive, popular, keeps the adrenalin pumping and the feeling of being needed physically, financially and mentally, wisdom sought for. Forget the family and friends. They are just useless people who envy the youth-giving-serum. Until the prey had been totally subdued by the hunter. Users of all ages use the same strategy. Women to get what they want. Men to get what they want. An ‘ambition’ fulfilled. All in the pursuit of that happiness factor!

What is the purpose of life then? Rather, what do you expect from life itself? Each individual will give a variety of answers depending on each priority. But it all sums up to the same thing: It is to become happy. Whatever country or society people live in, they all have the same deep desire: to become happy. Yet, there are few ideals as difficult to grasp as that of happiness. In our daily life we constantly experience happiness and unhappiness, but we are still quite ignorant as to what happiness really is.

People always think that what they want is money, relationships, material possessions and being free from suffering to be happy.

Being free from suffering of whatever ails us, be it physically, emotionally or spiritually may be the key to absolute happiness. Even an individual who has great wealth, social recognition and many awards may still be shadowed by indescribable suffering. That’s why they resort to actions unbecoming of their stature in life.

There are two kinds of happiness — "relative" and "absolute" happiness. Relative happiness is happiness that depends on things outside ourselves: friends and family, surroundings, the size of our home or family income. We feel this when a desire is fulfilled, or something we have longed for is obtained. It is also based on comparison with others. While the happiness such things brings us is certainly real, the fact is that none of this lasts. This kind of happiness shatters easily when external conditions alter. Then the feeling turns to misery.

Absolute happiness, on the other hand, is something we must find within. It means establishing a state of life in which we never succumbed to our weaknesses and where just being alive is a source of great joy. This persists no matter what we might be lacking, or what might happen around us. A deep sense of joy is something which can only exist in the innermost reaches of our life, and which cannot be destroyed by any external forces. It is eternal and inexhaustible.

Is there an easier way to achieve happiness?
True happiness is to be found within, in the state of our hearts. It does not exist on the far side of some distant mountains or being above your neighbor or colleague, or doing something forbidden. Happiness doesn't exist in the past or in the future. It only exists within our state of life right now, here in the present, as we face the challenges of daily life. It never exists in lies and deceits. It is within you, yourself. However much you try, you can never run away from yourself. And if you are weak, suffering will follow you wherever you go. You will only have an ‘illusion’ of being happy as if the barbiturates or the pill is taking effect, floating in cloud 9, exhilarated. You will never find happiness if you don't challenge your weaknesses and change yourself from within.

See the beauty lurking underneath ordinary life. Strive for equality and never indulge in instant gratification at the expense of others. Live with honesty and integrity. Honor your authentic nature and wisdom and use sharp wit responsibly. Savor life’s depths by creating meaning and value that will last for eternity. Because the absolute happiness you attain spills to others.

And life becomes beautiful when people are happy because of you.

WELCOME 2009

2009-01-06T15:10:00.004+01:00

We all know that LIFE is a cycle.

A merry-go-round for others, a vicious cycle for some, boring for most, and yet a wonderful cycle, tolerable, bitter-sweet, challenging, and rewarding for the rest of humanity.
But as years go by and life goes on, we are confronted again with life’s ups and downs. And we feel stressed. And when we are stressed, we get disoriented. And when we are disoriented, we make mistakes. And when we make mistakes, the more stressed out we become.
No one can tell us how to manage our lives. And yet, in this stress management class, lessons can be obtained, to implement or just to read is up to you.

Topic: ‘How Heavy Is This Glass of Water?’

The reply could range from 8 oz to 20 oz.
To apply to everyday life, it goes like this:
The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it.
If you hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.
If you hold it for an hour, you'll have an ache in your right arm.
If you hold it for a day, you’ll have to call an ambulance.
In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer you hold it, the heavier it becomes.

BURDENS IN LIFE
If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. "
As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.
When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. Whatever, we are doing outside,
before we return tonight, put the burden of work down.
Don't carry it home. We can pick it up tomorrow.
Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can.
Relax. Pick them up later after you've rested.
Life is short. Enjoy it!

The same lecturer shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life:

* Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.
* Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
* Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
* Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.
* If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
* If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
* It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
* Never buy a car you can't push.
* Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
* Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
* Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
* The second mouse gets the cheese.
* When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
*Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
* You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
* Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
* We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names , and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

NEW YEAR

2008-12-29T10:10:00.004+01:00

A BLESSED AND A HAPPY AND VERY PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO YOU!!!
Expecting for a brighter side of LIFE?
HERE'S TO 2009...

"Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine
I drink I feel shame. Then I look into the glass
and think about the workers in the vineyards and
all of their hopes and dreams .. If I didn't drink
this wine, they might be out of work and their
dreams would be shattered.
Then I say to myself, "It is better that I drink this
wine and let their dreams come true than be selfish
and worry about my liver."

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may leave you wondering what happened to your bra and panties.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they
wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're
going to feel all day. "
~Frank Sinatra

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher, smarter, faster and better looking than most people.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading."
~ Henny Youngman

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may lead you to think people are laughing WITH you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I think not."
~ Stephen Wright

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to think you can sing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"When we drink, we get drunk.
When we get drunk,we fall asleep.
When we fall asleep, we commit no sin.
When we commit no sin, we go to heaven.
So, let's all get drunk and go to heaven!"
~ Brian O'Rourke

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause pregnancy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
~ Benjamin Franklin

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol is a major factor in dancing like a spaz.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Without question, the greatest invention in the
history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the
wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does
not go nearly as well with pizza."
~ Dave Barry

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To some, it's a six-pack, to me it's a Support Group. Salvation in a can!
~Dave Howell

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you can logically converse with members of the opposite sex without spitting.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And saving the best for last, as explained by Cliff Clavin, of Cheers.
One afternoon at Cheers, Cliff Clavin was explaining the Buffalo Theory to his buddy Norm. Here's how it went:

" Well ya see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That's why you always feel smarter after a few beers."

WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may make you think you are whispering when you are not.

PUTTING THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE

2008-12-20T11:48:00.004+01:00

Honest Sympathy or True Kindness

Christmas is here once again. There was a cartoon I saw in one popular magazine many years ago… that of two ladies in tattered clothes looking more of rags, stoking the very tiny flicker of fire, while shivering from the cold. One of the ladies told the other in a very cheerful tone, ‘Don’t worry, Maggie, we’re already in December. Soon, just 4 months more and the kind, charitable ladies will send their fur coats, sweaters and stockings and other goodies.’

It stuck. When do we give? Why do we give? Can we answer truthfully? Do we give because the items are no longer needed and just occupying our cupboards? Or the clothes are out of style? Or the food will soon expire if not expired already? Do we give because we feel good in giving or because we ought to give or because the feeling is there that you have more than enough and you have to share?

Charity is said to begin at home. But I do not believe in charity. For me showing charity or being charitable makes one feel superior over the other … something like because I have and I must…because you need and I do not need…

There is always a very thin line between Charity and Kindness, between Kindness and Sympathy. You are kind. You give. You share. Then you are charitable. You are sympathetic to the plight of others.
Take it this way : Sympathy can only be extended by people who believe the same misfortune could befall them, people who feel that "there but for the grace of God, go I." So, it becomes a precautionary measure, a safety belt. So, is charity. ‘Thank God, I am better off than those suffering people. I will help as much as I can.’

Honest sympathy/charity/kindness cannot grow out of smug, secure, benevolent feelings.

True kindness is not a soft answer for hard problems. Kindness may mean, you having the courage to be candid, truthful, demanding and tough.

Say, a friend is in dire trouble. And he is not aware that he is in a big trouble. Maybe, he is so euphoric in this new situation that he has forgotten the consequences of his actions.

Letting a friend off the hook is not kindness; instead it contributes to the problem.

A fine line exists between condemning to destroy or condemning to draw attention to a problem and help.

True kindness is not given by those who want credit for helping others. It does not depend on the dramatic; it is more a question of timing just like those 2 beggars I mentioned earlier, being there when it is needed most. It is also the sincerity than the size of the act.

Professional charitable donors, maybe I am just skeptical, are only as kind as the accolades they receive.

A friend or even just an acquaintance needing a shoulder to cry on will be more relieved if you offer one. A grieving person may even appreciate a cup of tea in the moment of intense grief.

As an old saying goes …Remember every home has a sorrow and every man carries a burden.

So often we never know the burdens that others bear. We wallow in our own mud and look at others with contempt. We believe in our own self-righteousness and forgot that we live in a society where actions are met with reactions.

And still people conceal heartaches better than others, building protective walls of defense.

Others bear problem, and the heavier it is, the less likely they talk about it and just hide it.

Some things just hurt too much to discuss with others.
Somehow, it’s up to an individual to distinguish true kindness. Because true kindness could change a life today.

We could help a discouraged person hang on a bit longer and let him know there is still goodness in this world in the face of adversity..

We could help a sad individual and put a smile on his lips.

……but…… most of all we could help a lonely person know that someone else cares.

23rd Psalm

2008-12-11T13:21:00.003+01:00

I came across this Inspirational Message. Now, I know better.

Promises of the 23rd Psalm
Psalm 23, also known as Prayer of David is filled with promises that bless our lives each day. Many of us maybe familiar with the words, but how many of us have seen the promises in this way?

THE PRAYER (THE PROMISE)

The Lord is my Shepherd, (Relationship)
I shall not be in want. (Supply)

He makes me lie down in green pastures, (Rest)

He leads me beside quiet waters, (Refreshment)

He restores my soul. (Healing)

He guides me in paths of righteousness (Guidance)

For His name’s sake. (Purpose)

Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, (Testing)

I will fear no evil, (Protection)

For you are with me; (Faithfulness)

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Discipline)

You prepare a table before me in the
presence of my enemies. (Hope)

You anoint my head with oil; (Consecration)

my cup overflows. (Abundance)

Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life, (Blessing)

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD (Security)

FOREVER! (Eternity)

A RARE PHENOMENON

2008-12-05T11:17:00.009+01:00

THE SMILE FROM THE SKY
A rare and captivating positioning of planets Venus (top left) and Jupiter (top right) and the crescent moon of the Earth as seen in Asia Monday night Dec. 2, 2008.

Is the sky taunting or genuinely amused over the follies of intelligent creatures called MEN?
The bomb blasts in Mumbai, the protests in Bangkok, the piracy in high seas, the pandemonium over Black Friday sales, and the disasters natural and man-made manifesting their ugly heads - parents killing their children, students killing students, kids killing kids, kidnappings, abuse, the mugging of the elderly, home invasions with and without violence, road rage, religious scandals, and the list goes on and on...

The greed and corruption inherent in each and every one of us can make one wonder ‘Are we truly created in His image?’

The Earthlings saw the ‘sky smile’ :

Monday Night Dec. 1, 2008 in Manila, Philppines.
(AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
The moon shines over the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai, India, Monday, Dec. 1, 2008 even as the soldiers removed the remaining bodies from the shattered Taj Mahal hotel on Monday, searching each room in the labyrinthine building and defusing booby-traps and bombs left by the gunmen who killed 172 people during three days of terror. The planets Venus, top left, and Jupiter, top right, came in close proximity with the moon as seen from Earth Monday. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade)
Netanya moon : A picture taken from the Israeli coastal city of Netanya shows a crescent moon forming a triangle with Venus (top-R) and Jupiter (L). Astronomers refer to this rare phenomenon as an "occultation," taken from the Latin word occultare, which means "to conceal." A (AFP/Jack Guez)
Star gazers look at the crescent moon - Jupiter (top) and Venus in Kathmandu December 1, 2008.
REUTERS/Gopal Chitrakar (NEPAL)

In reality, Venus is almost 100 million miles way and Jupiter nearly 550 million miles from our planet. The moon is 252,000 miles away. The exact combination of planets and the moon in the right place to appear together, even when they aren't high enough in the evening sky to be appreciated, won't happen again until 2052.
At least, I can say, 'The sky smiled in my lifetime.'

Isn't this ironic?
Pakistani, left, and Indian border guards face each other during the 'Beating the Retreat' ceremony at the India and Pakistan joint border check post of Wagah near Lahore, Pakistan on Wednesday, Dec 3, 2008. (AP Photo/K.M.Chaudary)

CELEBRATIONS

2008-12-02T10:40:00.017+01:00

THE ABUJA CARNIVAL COMMAND PERFORMANCES

The recently concluded Abuja Carnival (20th – 23rd November, 2008) was a celebration of a truly African Heritage.With over 250 ethnic groups and 450 dialects, it was a very rich and diverse cultural presentation.

I was privileged to watch the Command Performances held on Saturday 22nd of November, 2008 at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel.

The pictures, although taken from afar, would show the dexterity of the performers. In this case, I would want to share first one Egyptian dancer who kept us mesmerized with the dance steps, oh yes… making use of his costume into a beautiful dance number.

The beautiful belly dancers traipsing to the melodious vocals:

The very lively Nigerian Cultural Dancers:

It was a very entertaining performance. Kudos to the organizers.

CELEBRATIONS

2008-11-27T17:19:00.003+01:00

THANKSGIVING DAY
"May we never let the things we can't have, or don't have, or shouldn't have, spoil our enjoyment of the things we do have and can have. As we value our happiness let us not forget it, for one of the greatest lessons in life is learning to be happy without the things we cannot or should not have."

~ Richard L. Evans (1906-1971), the writer, producer, and announcer of Music and the Spoken Word for forty-one years

United States of America is celebrating Thanksgiving Day today. Everyone, as in every other country where a big event is highly anticipated, this very big event starts in the kitchen; those who are cooking the big, over-indulgent meal are busy in the kitchen, and those who are not cooking (children, teenagers) are either excited about seeing relatives and friends they haven't seen since last year. But then, maybe they are dreading the family reunions most common during this season. And yet it is still done out of obligation.

Whatever changes that happened in the year, the one thing that remains constant is the "standard" highly commercialized Thanksgiving meal and tradition...as advertised in newspapers, department stores and the ever-present TV. There's the traditional meal that consists of the turkey, the variations of bread dressing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casseroles, dinner rolls and pumpkin pie with whipped cream among the basics...

The preparation for the big day, planning the guest list according to who you want to invite and the list of who you hope won't be able to make it...(the obligation factor) can really take its toll. And then the clearing away of dishes. Have you ever looked at your kitchen and surveyed the piles of dishes and left-overs after the guests have finished their meals? It would definitely look like a mountain of toxic waste!

After everything is said and done, what would Thanksgiving mean to each and everyone?

It may be a day of celebration in America but I guess Thanksgiving Day must always be a year round affair – in every continent, in every nation, in every one’s heart. Not in food preparations but within ourselves.

So many people in every part of the globe may be having an extremely tough and bitter year and there’s no one who could and would alleviate this suffering. The weight of these circumstances cripples them even further.

And when we hear of these catastrophes, disasters, wars, genocides, bombings, hostage-takings, we can only feel pity for the victims, disgust, and loathing to the perpetrators. And maybe then we feel grateful for every breath we take, and grateful that we are seeing and hearing all these acts from a distance.

And for the rest of us, my wish for everyone is to think of something or someone you are thankful for.

And be thankful that YOU are the reason that someone else is thankful.

A Blessed Thanksgiving Day for each and everyone.

WOMEN

2008-11-21T10:09:00.003+01:00

WEEKENDER
Got a good laugh with this. A mother who has a very good sense of humor sent me this.
To all MOTHERS out there, here's one for you!

THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and
3 kids each for six weeks.

Each kid will play
two sports
and either take music
or dance classes.

There is no fast food.

Each man must
take care of his 3 kids;
keep his assigned house clean,
correct all homework,
and complete science projects,
cook, do laundry,
and pay a list of 'pretend' bills
with not enough money.

In addition, each man
will have to budget in money
for groceries each week.

Each man
must remember the birthdays
of all their friends and relatives,
and send cards out
on time--no emailing.

Each man must also
take each child to a doctor's appointment,
a dentist appointment
and a haircut appointment.

He must make
one unscheduled and inconvenient
visit per child
to the Urgent Care.

He must also
make cookies or cupcakes
for a social function.

Each man will be responsible for
decorating his own assigned house,
planting flowers outside
and keeping it presentable
at all times.

The men will only
have access to television
when the kids are asleep
and all chores are done.

The men must
shave their legs,
wear makeup daily,
adorn himself with jewelry,
wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes,
keep fingernails polished
and eyebrows groomed.

During one of the six weeks,
the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches,
and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or
slow down from other duties.

They must attend
weekly school meetings,
church, and find time
at least once to spend the afternoon
at the park or a similar setting.

They will need to
read a book to the kids
each night and in the morning,
feed them, dress them,
brush their teeth and
comb their hair by 7:00 am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information:
each child's birthday,
height, weight,
shoe size, clothes size
and doctor's name.
Also the child's weight at birth,
length, time of birth,
and length of labor,
each child's favorite color,
middle name,
favorite snack,
favorite song,
favorite drink,
favorite toy,
biggest fear and
what they want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island
based on performance.
The last man wins only if...
he still has enough energy
to be intimate with his spouse
at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win,
he can play the game over and over
and over again for the next 18-25 years
eventually earning the right
To be called Mother!

After you get done laughing,
send this to as many females as you
think will get a kick out of it and
as many men as you think can
handle it.

Just don't send it back to me.... I'm going to bed.

Have a nice weekend.

EXPRESSION

2008-11-20T08:07:00.017+01:00

GREATNESS
Great is another term now coined in almost everything/anything.
Compliment: You’re looking great!
Annoyance: And you are blaming me for this? Great!
Happiness: We got it. Great!
Insult: And you’ve got the gall to do this? Great!
Appreciation: Such fine architecture. Great!
Discovery: Found it. Great!
Condition: How are you feeling now? Great!

US President-Elect Barack Obama
The election of the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama is Great! The world is now looking forward to his tenure.
His election alone has made an impact to the world. The immensity of his task ahead is proportionate to his popularity...
I believe he can be a great leader – able to read the pulse of each generation.

Greatness is vast and varied. But how do we measure greatness? Let us borrow from some Great Minds whose ideologies shook the world.

Can we follow suit?

AMAZING ARTIST

2008-11-17T13:03:00.010+01:00

AMAZING PAINTINGS FROM AN AMAZING WOMAN
Paintings by Julia Thompson

I have to share these beautiful detailed feather paintings. I am subscribed to Hoax-Slayer Newsletter published by: Brett M. Christensen and found these amazing pieces. And I am indeed glad to see these. I felt like I discovered a pot of gold.

This collection of photographs of painted feathers was widely circulated in emails and of course the perennial skeptics would always ask 'wahr' or 'falsch'- and of course, the paintings are truly amazing that a skeptical layman would immediately claim these as 'one of those' digitally doctored. But the fact is that the paintings are genuine and done by flesh and blood Julie Thompson.

These are the work of talented artist, Julie Thompson.

Kelly May owner of Fusions Gallery fusionsgallery.com wrote (from the same newsletter) that Ms. Thompson is one of their best selling-artist. There is no reason to doubt that.

In the circulated email, it was labelled 'I Wonder How Long It Takes To Paint a Feather'...

The artist explains:
I began painting feathers back in 1990, purely as a means of putting to use all the broad sturdy wing feathers that my mother's peacocks would shed. I had never seen this done before, but knowing the bonding properties of acrylic paint, I thought it was a feasable experiment. I began with simple subject matters like pictographs and still-lifes, but soon that grew to a very broad range of subject matter.
The feather paintings also feature in a video clip of folk singer Gordon Lightfoot's song "Cherokee Bend"”.

Amazing Faith

2008-11-14T17:32:00.003+01:00

FAITH

More pictures of Faith:

Let Faith and Hope and Love live in our Hearts...

Have a fruitful weekend.

Amazing Faith

2008-11-14T14:44:00.011+01:00

AMAZING FAITH
(This piece was sent to me by a friend who wants me to 'experience' faith...can a broken individual in body and spirit be mended? Or can an individual with a 'broken' dignity be healed and made whole again?

Definition: Faith is the unrelenting demonstration of the Strength in Life!!

This is 'Faith'

This dog was born on Christmas Eve in the year 2002. He was born with 3 legs - 2 healthy hind legs and 1 abnormal front leg which needed to be amputated. He, of course could not walk when he was born. His mother did not want him as she could not continue to protect the young dog indefinitely.

His first owner also did not think that he could survive. Therefore, he was thinking of ' putting him to sleep ', but was scared that killing an innocent, pitiful, helpless little creature would leave a scar of guilt on his mind. By this time, his present owner, Jude Stringfellow, met him and wanted to take care of him. She is determined to teach and train this dog to walk by himself. Therefore she named him ' Faith ‘.
In the beginning, she put Faith on a surfing board to let him feel the movements. Later she used peanut butter on a spoon as a lure and reward for him to stand up and jump around. Even the other dog at home also helped to encourage him to walk.
Amazingly, only after 6 months, like a miracle, Faith learned to balance on his 2 hind legs and jumped to move forward. After further training in the snow, he now can walk like a human being.

Faith loves to walk around now. No matter where he goes, he just attracts all the people around him.
He is now becoming famous on the international scene. He has appeared on various newspapers and TV shows.
There is even one book entitled ' With A Little Faith ' being published about him. He was even considered to appear
in one of Harry Potter movies.

His present owner Jude Stringfellew has given up her teaching post and plans to take him around the world to preach that even without a perfect body, one can have a perfect soul.

DO WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR NEW YEAR'S DAY?

2008-11-11T10:21:00.004+01:00

A MUCH-NEEDED TIME FOR RESOLUTION!

McCain has conceded. Barack Obama has made his acceptance speech. The Bushes invited the Obamas to have a ‘look around’ at the White House in which the President-elect said he had never set foot on. The White House will be the First Family’s residence. Their kids can decorate and do whatever they like in their rooms. After all, this will be their ‘private residence’ technically speaking.

It looks like the American people have spoken. And what they have said is that they want something different. And the world is eagerly anticipating THIS SOMETHING different.

And for the rest of humanity, maybe this is a good time for us all - to consciously take inventory of our lives. Let’s look in the mirror. Not to see the fine wrinkles, crow’s feet, age spots crawling all over our faces BUT to objectively examine our character.

Let us unwind the fabric of the psyche, our moral foundations.
Let us see (and be honest with ourselves) if our thought processes are based on selfish motivations
and obfuscated reality.

Let us see if it is on the firmer foundation of faith, justice, patience and goodwill. If it is, then we continue building on this foundation to create a better world for ourselves and for the incoming generations - that when they are already enjoying this world and think of fairness and integrity, they will think of us and be grateful.

It is a time to right wrongs and heal wounds.
It is a time to forget the hurts and disappointments in life BUT never to forget the LESSONS learned from such.
A time for activity and purpose.
A time for resolution, introspection and consideration.

Let us all become creations for humanity set on a steady course to enlightenment – in tune with the universe.
Let us not create conditions that will make our fellowmen commit failings.
Because a man or a woman MUST earn the right to be admired and respected.
Definitely not a showcase of peccadilloes.

Let us all be empowered by the splendor that is our LIFE and our asset that is our personal validation.

Weekend Thoughts

2008-11-08T09:48:00.005+01:00

Weekend’s here and me sharing these 3 wonderful messages with you as shared by a friend, too. Nice thoughts ...for a wonderful weekend!

#1 WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

A message every adult should read because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.

‘When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.’

‘When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.’

‘When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.’

‘When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.’

‘When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.’

‘When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should
give to those who don't.’

‘When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.’

‘When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.’

‘When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.’

‘When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.’

‘When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.’

‘When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'

I AM SENDING THIS TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE I KNOW WHO DO SO MUCH FOR OTHERS, BUT THINK THAT NO ONE EVER SEES. LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT .

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend) influences the life of a child.

How will you touch the life of someone today?

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Leave the rest to God.

***************

#2 ROSE

The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know
someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder.

I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being.

She said, 'Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?'

I laughed and enthusiastically responded, 'Of course you may!' and she gave me a giant squeeze.

'Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?' I asked.

She jokingly replied, 'I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids...'

'No seriously,' I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.

'I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!' she told me.

After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake.

We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk non-stop. I was always mesmerized listening to this 'time
machine' as she shared her wisdom and experience with me.

Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she revelled in the attention bestowed
upon her from the other students. She was living it up.

At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she
began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor.

Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, 'I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never
get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know.'

As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, 'We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing.

There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy and achieving success.
You have to laugh and find humour every day. You've got to have a dream.
When you lose your dreams, you die.

We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it!

There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up.

If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty- seven years old and stay in bed for
a year and never do anything I will turn eighty “eight.

Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets.

The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets'

She concluded her speech by courageously singing 'The Rose.'

She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago.

One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep.

Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.

When you finish reading this, please send this peaceful word of advice to your friends and family, they'll really enjoy it!

These words have been passed along in loving memory of ROSE.

REMEMBER: GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS
OPTIONAL.
We make a Living by what we get.
We make a Life by what we give.

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

***************

#3 A PERSPECTIVE ABOUT OLD BARNS

Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and scorching sun, only that can produce beautiful barn wood.

A stranger came by the other day with an offer that set me to thinking. He wanted to buy the old barn that sits out by the highway. I told him right off he was crazy. He was a city type, you could tell by his clothes, his car, his hands, and the way he talked. He said he was driving by and saw that beautiful barn sitting out in the tall grass and wanted to know if it was for sale.

I told him he had a funny idea of beauty.

Sure, it was a handsome building in its day. But then, there's been a lot of winters pass with their snow and ice and howling wind.

The summer sun's beat down on that old barn till all the paint's gone, and the wood has turned silver gray. Now the old building leans a good deal, looking kind of tired. Yet, that fellow called it beautiful.

That set me to thinking. I walked out to the field and just stood there, gazing at that
old barn. The stranger said he planned to use the lumber to line the walls of his den
in a new country home he's building down the road. He said you couldn't get paint that beautiful. Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and scorching sun,
only that can produce beautiful barn wood.

It came to me then. We're a lot like that, you and I. Only it's on the inside that the beauty grows with us. Sure we turn silver gray too... and lean a bit more than we did when we were young and full of sap. But the Good Lord knows what He's doing.
And as the years pass He's busy using the hard weather of our lives, the dry spells and the stormy seasons to do a job of beautifying our souls that nothing else can produce.
And to think how often folks holler because they want life easy!

They took the old barn down today and hauled it away to beautify a rich man's house.
And I reckon someday you and I'll be hauled off to Heaven to take on whatever chores the Good Lord has for us on the Great Sky Ranch. And I suspect we'll be more beautiful then for the seasons we've been through here... and just maybe even add a bit of beauty to our Father's house.

Never let today's burden erase yesterday's blessings.

May there be peace within you today.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

And...
I do sincerely thank God for my wonderful friends and family who love me even though I show signs of weathering.

THE BRIGHT SIDE

2008-11-07T07:42:00.010+01:00

What Next?
With the euphoria accompanying the election of the 44th president of the United States of America, we, the mere mortals co-inhabiting our planet earth, have to embrace back the reality. The travel ban imposed by our beloved country on OFW’s IS still imposed.

Optimism: In an imperfect world, is it crazy to look for a bright side?

So, here in Abuja, this IS our means and ways of looking (and practicing) the bright side.

Lunch at Life Camp, Abuja

Maris and daughter Maebelle and pet Kiko

Ottie and daughter Christa

Breakfast at The Nunciature

Pusong Pinoy Guys
Nonito, John, Erwin, Bernie, Renz, Ric, Benjie

Maris, Ana, Maebs, Dors, Chet, Oca, Sr Res
Seated: Ely, Lito, Benjie

...and songs to sing (to forget the travel ban?)

...and the Sisters who are always there for us....

2008-11-07T07:39:00.001+01:00

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

2008-11-06T13:14:00.004+01:00

When dreams are realized....

THE SON

FATHER AND SON

MOTHER AND SON

President Barack Obama

2008-11-05T17:17:00.000+01:00

THE BARACK OBAMA MANIA

The name that reverberated to every nook and corner of the world - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Let us have a glimpse of him in his younger days, for the days to come will be filled with everything about his life. The world will want to know more about this man who broke all barriers and emerged triumphant.

These photos are from his yearbook.

What went wrong with the Republicans, then? Simple. President Bush.

Weekend

2008-10-31T13:44:00.011+01:00

While the Second Global Forum on Migration and Development is being hosted in Manila,the OFW's or 'expatriates' in Nigeria had a grand time last Sunday Oct. 26 held at Usuma Dam.

With this type of relaxation here in Abuja, who needs a travel ban?
Just asking.

Cross section of the Filipinos during the picnic:

From left: Jun Torres - PRO Pusong Pinoy Association, Estan, John Hernandez - PRO Pusong Pinoy Association, Richard Molato

From left: Sr Ortencia,Nonito Barraquias, Sr Resurrecion, Lolita Victorio - Board of Trustee PPA

From left: Sr Ortencia, Sr Ifleada, Dorothy Barraquias, Rose Akah - Phil Embassy,Doris Sambile, Vangie Novio
Standing: Nestor Dador - Phil Embassy

From left: Sr Ortencia, Nonito, Sr Res, Lolit, Sr Mary Grace, Sr. Ifleada, Dorothy
Standing: Lito Nucum President PPA, Nestor Dador and Rose both from Phil Embassy

From left: Ann, Ana Dador, Mrs. Maty, Fely - Phil Embassy

From left: Marisa Mercado - Irish Embassy, Mrs. Maty, Brenda's daughter and mother, Angie Alcaria of White Plains British School, Ricardo Punsalan

Have a clean scary Haloween.

Management Training Programs

2008-10-30T15:13:00.002+01:00

MANAGEMENT TRAINING PROGRAM

In these hard times, courses on management and marketing are almost always touted. Getting rich/be a millionaire and how to identify, enforce, etc. schemes, will occupy large sections of any newspaper or magazine, if not front page. However, in the following manifestations, it seems only COMMON SENSE with a touch of humor is needed to attain one’s goal.

Demonstration 1

Decision Making

A group of junior-level executives were participating in a management training program. The seminar leader pounded home his point about the need to make decisions and take action on these decisions.

"For instance," he said, "if you had five frogs on a log and three of them decided to jump, how many frogs would you have left on the log?"

The answers from the group were unanimous: "Two."

"Wrong," replied the speaker, "there would still be five because there is a difference between deciding to jump and jumping."

Demonstration 2 (Courtesy of Devesh Gupta)

Marketing Concepts

Situation 1 You see a gorgeous girl at a party.
You go up to her and say, ‘I am very rich.
Marry me!’
That’s Direct Marketing.

Situation 2 You’re at a party with a bunch of friends and see
a gorgeous girl. One of your friends goes to her
and pointing at you says, ‘He’s very rich. Marry
him.’
That’s Advertising.

Situation 3 You see a gorgeous girl at a party.
You go up to her and get her telephone number. The
next day you call and say, ‘Hi, I’m very rich.
Marry me.’
That’s Telemarketing.

Situation 4 You’re at a party and see a gorgeous girl. You get
up and straighten your tie, walk up to her and pour
her a drink. You open the door for her, pick up her
bag after she drops it, offer her a ride and then
say, ‘By the way, I’m very rich. Will you marry me?’
That’s Public Relations.

Situation 5 You’re at a party and see a gorgeous girl. She
walks up to you and says ‘You’re very rich.’
That’s Brand Recognition.

Situation 6 You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to
her and say, ‘I’m rich. Marry me.’
She gives you a nice, hard slap on your face.
That’s Customer Feedback.

Situation 7 You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to
her and say, ‘I’m rich. Marry me.’
She introduces you to her husband.
That’s Demand and Supply Gap.

Situation 8 You see a gorgeous girl at a party. You go up to
her and before you can say, ‘I’m rich. Marry me!’,
she turns her face towards you…. She is your wife!
That’s Competition Eating Into Your Market Share.

THE AMAZING ELEPHANT OF THAILAND

2008-10-25T15:00:00.000+01:00

THE AMAZING ELEPHANT OF THAILAND

The first time I watched this amazing elephant on CNN, I was skeptical.
Elephant? Paint? Must just be a trick.

Humans as complete as we are, meaning we have two arms and two legs and intelligence, not everyone would have the talent to paint.

Of course, not just any elephant can paint or draw either. Needs to be trained patiently.

But to train an elephant to paint?

I know animals are taught and trained all conceivable tricks by humans.

In the same crocodile farm, I saw these big creatures doing amazing things. I saw the crocs trained not to bite the head nor arm nor leg of the human during the show. These creatures may have been sedated, but still it’s quite dangerous as having photograph near a tiger. What if the beast suddenly wakes from its stupor? I shudder to think of what might have been. At any rate, I did not go near those wild beasts.

I salute the trainers.

2008-10-21T12:43:00.000+01:00

SO MUCH FOR THE PROMISES…..

I’ve always known that promises are made to be broken.

Whether it is a politicians’, friend to a friend, woman to man, man to man, woman to woman, etc., etc.
But the promise I’m talking about is a PROMISE almost like a vow I hang my hopes and aspirations into.

Was the PROMISE fulfilled?

Just hang on.
It was one of those gloomy days in Manila. After all August is actually a rainy month. I woke up early as I have a meeting with the CMA (Center for Migrant Advocacy). The place is in Diliman and I am staying in Pasig.

The usual morning ritual of a woman was dutifully done. Then I went upstairs to attend to all those body splashings, (ie. lotion, deos, etc.) face the mirror and picked up the beautifully bottled cream that promised instant face lift without any surgery nor Botox injection. I meticulously followed the instructions and applied the cream to my face. I was satisfied. I happily dressed and was soon ready to go.

My entourage of 2 were already waiting downstairs because they knew I’d get lost in Manila. We took a taxi and reached the place on time, finished my business. And then it was time to go home.

My 2 ADC’s suggested we take MRT (Mass Railway Transit, I believe but I call it City Train). They prevailed. Ok. Fine.

As is always the case in transports like these, passengers were packed like sardines. We squeezed through and found a space to stand.

While the train was in motion, the public address system was blaring ‘Please give seat to the pregnant, children and the aged.’ I was looking at my reflection in the window and actually
congratulated myself … I don’t look my age!

I turned back to tell my ADC’s and told them ‘ See it works!’

A middle-aged guy suddenly stood up and offered his seat to me! Am flattered because I did not see any one belonging to the categories mentioned when offering a seat 'meaning I must be looking THAT good.'

We reached home and I immediately looked at myself in the mirror.

There at the back, my hair parted like Moses’ partition of the Red Sea for the Israelites to pass, in a very neat single row, the roots of my hair in glistening white and stop just an inch where my brownish hair dye started!

Married Lovers Credo

2008-10-16T07:05:00.000+01:00

‘To love, honor and… disobey.’
- Married Lovers Credo

On a shopping spree at Robinson’s Galleria…
I was so tired that when we reached the Food Center, that is, with my entourage of two, from the right wingside, the first food stall I saw, I immediately entered and sat. It was Grilled Meat stall. Of course upon sitting, as always the case, I swept a glance at the customers already inside. It was a small separate stall with tables sort of private dining as compared to the open space where you can buy food from hundreds of stalls and look for free table elsewhere. There were only three tables by the side close to the wall and one inner (somehow) table. A guy was furiously doing justice to his steak, a free table beside ours, another group of employees hurrying in their lunch and the farthest table has a couple. The dignified-looking man was wearing barong, probably in his early 60’s and the young lady with him was also wearing something that looks to me an office uniform. They were eating leisurely while the lady’s left arm was entwined in the man’s arm. Such a loving couple!

I looked back at the menu and started anticipating for a juicy grilled beef, when I was distracted by two teenaged girls arguing with each other. I looked at them and saw a stylishly dressed, tired-looking woman with her arm around the obviously youngest daughter. The woman upon spotting a vacant table near us was about to enter when her face turned pale. I followed her gaze… went straight to the couple inside. The two elder daughters were still arguing pointing at the direction of the open space, when the mother grabbed them both and hushed them and pulled them away from the place. But the youngest daughter lingered for a minute and looked straight to the eyes of the man. She actually glared!

I unwittingly became an audience of this very unscripted drama unfolding before my eyes. The lady held tightly the arm of the gentleman with her and the suddenly rigid posture of the man gave me the clear picture of an otherwise idyllic lunch time.

Me? The food came and I realized I was very, very hungry.

With Every Goodbye You Learn

2008-09-26T06:58:00.000+01:00

I received this beautiful piece and I can not resist sharing:

"Comes the Dawn" - Veronica Shoffstall

After a while, you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning,
And company doesn't mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises.
And you begin to accept your defeats,
With your head up and your eyes open.
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads,
On today, because tomorrow's ground,
Is too uncertain for plans, and futures have
A way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while you learn that even sunshine,
Burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate,
Your own soul instead of waiting ..
For someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn...
With every goodbye you learn.

--
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have a nice weekend.

Meditation Centre

2008-09-23T13:37:00.000+01:00

(The picture at the left is The Rev. Dr. Edith Plantier)

I arrived at Schipol Airport on the 31st of August at 6:00am. The connecting flight to Bangkok is scheduled at 8:00 pm... such a long wait. I immediately searched for the lounge seats, found one and promptly dozed off. After awhile, I got up and refreshed myself. Soon I became restless and started moving around. I was tempted to head straight to the Casino... almost but then I remembered that I lost a lot the previous year.
Then an announcement, being a Sunday that a church service will be held at the Meditation Centre. I went up and there in a quiet corner is the Meditation Centre. There is a reception and the adjacent room has shelves for books, a library sort-of and a bigger carpeted room was a welcoming sight. Several chairs were arranged in a semi-circular row with a table which serves as the altar.
What struck me was the fact that this centre is truly a place for meditation, a serene and quiet place for peoples of all faith and creeds. There was a Muslim praying, a jew in another corner,and yet a humming lady sitting cross-legged in another section.
At exactly 11:00 am, a handful of weary travelers entered and took their seats, me among them. The Rev. Dr. Edith Plantier entered, a bespectacled plumpy lady with an open pleasant face, wearing a loose-fitting gown, the type normally worn by ministers/judges.
We introduced ourselves and the service began.
The service was like the ones I've always attended but somehow not quite the same. All the elements of the Mass were there BUT the sharing of bread and wine made me squirm. She called a gentleman (I believe her husband) to raise the the chalice while she raised the host. And I saw that she has to give a last minute instruction before they raised together the host and the chalice.

With due respect to The Rev. Dr. Plantier, I liked the Moment of Silence:
In the depth of silence
No words are needed
No language required
In the depth of silence
I am called to listen.
Listen to the beating of your heart
Listen to the blowing of the wind
The movement of the Spirit.
Be silent said the Lord
And know that I am God.
Listen to the cry of the voiceless
Listen to the groaning of the hungry
Listen to the pain of the landless
Listen to the sigh of the oppressed
And to the laughter of the children.

I was born and reared as a conservative catholic. And a woman minister before my eyes
is a novelty Sure, I've read, watched and followed-up the women's clamour to become priests. I do not have anything against a woman priest, after all we are addressing the same praises and adoration to God of all creations. But I believe 'priesthood' should be left alone to priests. 'Priestesshood' still has a long way to go(even though advocates of women priests will always contend that priestess had been around since time immemorial).
I have attended only THIS ONE service and of course I can not generalize. However, I still prefer priests.