The Cross in the Room

Here's a good story to reflect on. For those who are tired and weary. For those who feel that they have the worst of everything. Contemplate on this and be inspired.

The young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer.

"Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy a cross to bear."
The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish."

The man was filled with relief. "Thank you, Lord," he sighed, and he did as he was told. Upon entering the other door, he saw many crosses, some so large the tops were not visible.

Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered.

And the Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you just brought in."



When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself far more fortunate than you imagined.

Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine
after the rain.

Perhaps you may stumble,
perhaps even fall,
but God's always there
to help through it all.

Everyday notes to enjoy life (3)

Lessons usually come from mistakes committed. Lessons in life usually from experiences. Nobody has the better conviction to impart better wisdom than they who have experienced life's intricacies.

I never had the chance to meet my grandfathers. They were long gone before I was born. But my grandmothers, they are the ones whom I was able to communicate with as I was growing up. They were great storytellers. I can imagine reliving their experiences on how they survived the war, how they raised my parents, how they lived the world without formal education. They were so metaphorical that sometimes I could not understand what they were talking about. But I've learned a lot from them. And I owe it to them, and my parents, everything that I am reaping now.

Little Things

I've just learned of this beautiful poem. It makes one realize the value of small things. It makes one appreciate the significance of every creation. It motivates all of us that whatever it is that we do, how little it may be, how insignificant you may think, all of it makes a difference.

Little Things
by Ebenezer Cobham Brewer

Little drops of water,
little grains of sand,
make the mighty ocean
and the pleasant land.

So the little moments,
Humble though they be,
Make the mighty ages
Of eternity.

Little deeds of kindness,
little words of love,
Help to make earth happy
like the heaven above.

So our little errors
Lead the soul away
From the path of virtue,
Far in sin to stray.

Little seeds of mercy
sown by youthful hands,
grow to bless the nations
far in heathen lands.

Life according to liquids...

I found a nice picture here reflecting on life. There is actually a sense of reality in it. Most of it however I think is just a misnomer. One may grow old and spend a happy natural life. It's just a matter of choice. We have the power to choose. We can choose to live a life without boundaries or respect life as God's gift. Realizing life as a gift I think will not lead into the liquid dextrose. What do you think?

Mass Baptism

Last Saturday, I witnessed the mass baptism of more than a hundred kids. The 9-month-old daughter of my wife's cousin happens to be one of them and I was asked to be one of her godparents for which I obliged.The church was packed with people and the kids, 76 of them and the first of two batches, have to endure the weltering ceremony. Outside the church, 98 more kids were waiting for their turn.

The special occasion, I've learned is held every year coinciding with the barangay fiesta. Parents take this opportunity to spare themselves of expensive preparations for the baptismal celebration including the minimal fee often charged by the church.

The only presiding priest attending the ceremony referred to all the kids in general, all the parents and godparents. Then he has to go to every baby for the actual baptismal rites.

It was quite an experience however I just felt no solemnity at all. In most part, the priest was barely audible such that most of us couldn't respond well during the ceremony. Other people sometimes joke around in their responses. It wasn't at all that amusing.

For all its worth, more than 200 kids joined our Christian community in that single ceremony and I want to greet all of them specially my godchild - Happy Christening! May the Lord bless all of you as you grow up.

INSIDE OUT

Ms. Cory Quirino is a health enthusiast and beauty expert here in the Philippines. She's an advocate of natural means to enhance one's well-being. She promotes alternative ways to obtain clean, healthy living by using the gifts of nature. She has written countless books about beauty and fitness, and discovering the fountain of youth. Thought I could share some of her tips on how to live life to the fullest.

Living for the present moment

By Cory Quirino
Inquirer

"No time like the present." -Mary Manley

A POPULAR text message being passed around goes something like this: "Don't fret over the past, it's gone. And worrying about the future makes today stressful. Instead, live for the moment. Today is a gift, that's why it's called the present."

Stress vs the present

Living for the present moment is not possible unless one loosens the grip of fear. Other blocks in one's psyche can freeze one in the past or paralyze a person to make him unable to focus on the future. World-renowned expert on holistic health Dr. Deepak Chopra says stress is not really about problems concerning today. "Instead we feel anxiety because we anticipate pain in the future or we feel depression, guilt or sorrow because we brood on pain from the past. Freeing yourself of past and future relieves you of stress."

Survival mode

The concept of living in the present is basic to human survival. To illustrate, here is a story:

Carla had fallen in love with Louie who lived in another country. Louie planned to move to be with Carla. But because he had business matters to clear up, the transfer was taking longer than expected. Meanwhile, Carla worried more as each day passed. Her fears slowly overcame her. Would their dream of being together ever happen? Would she have to be the one to move, give up her job? The questions never gave her peace until Louie told her, "Please do not forget that we are happy now. Things are okay between us."

This simple statement gave Carla her moment of enlightenment. She learned that if one could focus on the present moment, lives could be lived more happily.

Tips for living today

1. Do the best you can now in preparation for the future.

2. Put attention on tomorrow by planning things today.

3. Once you have prepared well, do not worry about what has to be done tomorrow because you have done all there is to do today.

4. Throw away your list of wrongs?a long list of who has hurt you and how many times. This will only weigh you down, says Jeff Davidson, author of "Breathing Space."

5. By doing so, you need not worry about losing your spouse, job, home, sanity, health, because you have already done your best.

Exercise one

Disintegrating worry:

Write a letter (which you will never send) to somebody whom you trust. Describe your concerns, hurts, etc. Just let the feelings flow. As you write, insights will surface to guide you.

Exercise two

Life themes:

List down 12 major turning points in your life. Write for 10 minutes about any one of them. Put away what you have written. Next day, write once more. After reading three episodes of your life, re-read them and see if there are any similarities in themes.

Life message

The only antidote for stress and its dramatic effects on our lives is harmony. This harmony can be achieved by being aware of grace in your life and how it is working in your life harmony that is both inner and outer.

For one cannot possibly exude outer harmony without inner peace and inner grace.

Calming facial mask

Drink a warm cup of water. Add a few mint leaves. Chew a sprig of mint. Slowly sip the mint water.

In a blender, add half a cucumber, 1 tablespoon of milk and mint leaves. Once well mixed, apply onto your clean face. Leave on for seven minutes. Relax and refresh!

Affirmation

"Today, I will live like never before."

Love and light!

Everyday notes to enjoy life (2)

Here's my second random everyday note to enjoy life, it's about simplicity. The problem with simplicity is that it opposes our very human nature to desire more. Some of us might be contented of what we already have but then again we also have the nature to get tired easily of the same thing that we have. But if we can heed such simple advice, I'm pretty sure we'll find out what Mr. Easwaran means.

Who am I? -Casting Crowns

The following is a very beautifully rendered song from a popular Christian band, Casting Crowns. It's a very moving song, full of humility. I've attached the lyrics at the bottom so you may sing along. Enjoy and be touched.



Who Am I
by Casting Crowns
album: Casting Crowns (2003)
Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.

Bridge:
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.

Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.

Bridge&Chorus 2x

I am yours.

Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am yours.
I am yours.

Everyday notes to enjoy life (1)

Yesterday, as I was rummaging through some stuff in our cabinet, I found a tiny box. Inside it were wonderful notes of everyday good things to do to add more joy to life. This was a gift from my thoughtful wife way back when we were still dating when I was desperately looking for a better job. I thought that the theme is very perfect for this blog and that I have to share the notes to inspire others. So what I'll do is to pick random notes every now and then and I hope to lift some spirit on anyone who feels glum.

So here's the first one:


You may also double your effort by adding a few ‘good day’ greetings to your smile. Some people may just smirk you off or may leave harsh remarks such as “What are you smiling at as#@$&?le!”. The important thing is that you’ve conveyed your message and it’s up to them if they reject it or receive it well.

My 50th post and counting...

Yey, it's my 50th post. And why am I so ecstatic about it? It's because my sole motivation for trying out blogging back then was to get additional income. And how am I doing you may want to ask? I haven't even gotten close to earning $10. And yet here I am posting my 50th. Blogging surely is fun and it has inspired me to work out on my creativity in writing. Of course I'm not giving up on my first purpose and hope to earn my first $100 in the future. And while waiting for that, I'll try to be more innovative and resourceful in my posts and hopefully reach another milestone. Thanks for everyone who visited and appreciated my blogs! To cap it off, here's a lovely quote about life.