Christmas Time

I never found my old tape of non-traditional Christmas songs which included these ones. I practically scoured rummaging the internet, but found nothing. The album is titled Christmas Love and the songs contained in it were mostly sung by kids. Until now I can still remember these two songs that were one of my favorites.

Christmas Time

Christmas time comes once a year
It's here and then it's gone,
But if you have Christ in your heart
Then Christmas will live on.

A tiny babe lying in a manger
Destined for the cross
To give His life for you and me
To redeem the lost.

Christmas time Oh Christmas Time
Always live in my heart and mine
Lord help me not to go astray
But to live each day like Christmas day.


Jesus Our Saviour Kind and Good

Jesus our saviour kind and good
Was born in a manger of straw and woods
And the friendly beasts around Him stood
Jesus our saviour kind and good

"I" said the donkey shaggy and brown
"I carried His mother up hill and down
I carried her safely to Bethlehem town"
"I" said the donkey shaggy and brown

"I" said the cow all white and red
"I gave Him my manger for a bed
I gave Him my hay to pillow His head
"I" said the cow all white and red

"I" said the sheep with the curly horn
"I gave Him my blanket for a warm
And he wore my coat on that Christmas morn
"I" said the sheep with the curly horn

"I" said the dove from the rafters high
"I cooed Him to sleep so He would not cry
We cooed Him to sleep my mate and I
"I" said the dove from the rafters high


Here are some of the titles also included as far as I can recall:

Wake O Earth, Wake Everything
Happy Christmas
Jesus Our Saviour Kind and Good
What will I Give Him
Run with Torches
Away in a Manger
You were sent from up above

Father Jerry Orbos' Almost Christmas

Just three more days before Christmas. And I want to share this very fulfilling message from Fr. Jerry Orbos. It's a strong message for all of us living in modern times on how we observe and celebrate Christ's birthday.

For many of us, it’s almost Christmas, but not quite. All the trimmings of Christmas have blinded us and have diverted our focus from the Christ-child. And so it is that, so engrossed in our preparations and decorations, we forget the birthday celebrant, the person. And because of the pressures and the rush, we forget that Christmas is all about persons, and not so much about collections and celebrations.

Almost Christmas, but not quite, for those who look at the Nativity scene and focus on the gold, frankincense, and myrrh instead of the Holy Family. Our lack or surplus of money should not affect the Christmas spirit in our families.

Almost Christmas, but not quite, for those who focus on the goats and sheep at the Nativity scene and think of parties, drinks and food and forget to share their bounty to so many suffering and hungry people around them, and who also forget spiritual food for their own malnourished souls, especially during Christmas.

Almost Christmas, but not quite, for those who focus on their worldly, political, and economic agenda at Christmas, instead of just being grateful, obedient and humble before the God-child whose only agenda was to do His Father’s will, and whose only mission was to serve and to love.

Almost Christmas, but not quite for those who look at the Nativity scene and focus on the ugliness and stench of the manger, and forget the dirt and mess in their own hearts and in their relationship with God and with others. Purity of heart, that’s what Christmas is all about for Joseph, Mary and the Infant. Hopefully, too, for us.

Finally, almost Christmas, but not quite, for those who look at the Nativity scene and focus on the Three Kings and become so engrossed on power, or staying in power by all and by any means, and forget that all power comes from God and should be used for God and for His people, not for themselves.

The Fruit of...

"The fruit of Silence is Prayer
The fruit of Prayer is Faith
The fruit of Faith is Love
The fruit of Love is Service
The fruit of Service is Peace."

-Mother Teresa

Today Is Mine

"Today is mine. It is unique.

Nobody in the world has one exactly like it.

It holds the sum of all my past experiences and all my future potential.

I can fill it with joyous moments or ruin it with fruitless worry.

If painful recollections of the past come into my mind, or frightening thoughts of the future, I can put them away.

They cannot spoil today for me."

-Alcoholic Anonymous

A simple advice

In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don't try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family, be completely present.

The Ox and the Mule

For some time an old farmer had been plowing with an ox and a mule teamed together; working them pretty hard. The young ox said to the mule, "Let's play sick today and rest a little while." But the old mule said, "No, we need to get the work done, for the growing season is short."

But the ox played sick, and the farmer brought it fresh hay and corn and made the ox comfortable. When the mule came in from plowing, the ox asked how it went in the fields. "We didn't get as much done," answered the mule, "but we did a fair stretch." Then the ox asked, "What did the old man say about me?" "Nothing," said the mule.

The next day the ox, thinking it had a good thing going, played sick again. And when the mule returned from the field very tired, the ox asked, "How did it go today?" "All right, I guess," the mule replied, "but we didn't get much done." Then the young ox asked, "What did the old man say about me?" "Nothing to me," the mule answered, "but he did stop and have a long talk with the butcher."

Never give up!

I found this funny but inspiring cartoon from my email. I find it as one of the best representations of determinism and persistence. Most of us may have been in the frog's shoes one way or the other, but only few must have slipped out of the bird's throat. Simply because we have lost the will to fight or have just given up and lost hope. In every hopeless situation we are in, we must learn to accept it, so that we can deal with it and cope with it until we are able to get out.

An Old Irish Prayer

Take time to work, it is the price of success.

Take time to think, it is the source of power.

Take time to play, it is the secret of perpetual youth.

Take time to read, it is the foundation of wisdom.

Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness.

Take time to dream, it is hitching your wagon to a star.

Take time to love and be loved, it is the privilege of the gods.

Take time to look around, it is too short a day to be selfish.

Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul.

An Ancient Sanskrit Poem

Look to this day
for it is life
the very life of life
In its brief course lie all
the realities and truths of existence
the joy of growth
the splendor of action
the glory of power
For yesterday is but a memory
And tomorrow is only a vision
But today well lived
makes every yesterday a memory
of happiness
and every tomorrow a vision of hope
Look well, therefore, to this day!

Life is from A to Z...

Life is ADVENTURE dare it.

Life is BEAUTY worship it.

Life is CHALLENGE meet it.

Life is DREAM realize it.

Life is ENDURANCE cope with it.

Life is FRAGRANCE smell it.

Life is GAME play it.

Life is HEAVEN take it.

Life is INITIATIVE take it.

Life is JOURNEY complete it.

Life is KEROSENE burn it.

Life is LOVE enjoy it.

Life is MYSTERY unfold it.

Life is NAME find it.

Life is OPPORTUNITY catch it.

Life is PROMISE fulfill it.

Life is QUESTION answer it.

Life is REALITY face it.

Life is SONG sing it.

Life is TIME utilize it.

Life is URGE satisfy it.

Life is VOICE listen to it.

Life is WEALTH acquire it.

Life is X ? solve it.

Life is YEARNING go after it.

Life is ZENITH attain it.

The man and the apple tree

A long time ago, there was a huge apple tree. A little boy loved to come and play around it everyday. He climbed to the treetop, ate the apples, took a nap under the shadow...

He loved the tree and the tree loved to play with him. Time went by...the little boy had grown up, and he no longer played around the tree every day.

One day, the boy came back to the tree and he looked sad. "Come and play with me," the tree asked the boy.

"I am no longer a kid, I do not play around trees any more", the boy replied.
"I want toys. I need money to buy them."

"Sorry, but I do not have money...But you can pick all my apples and sell them.
So, you will have money."

The boy was so excited. He grabbed all the apples on the tree and left happily. The boy never came back after he picked the apples. The tree was sad.

One day, the boy who now turned in to a man returned, and the tree was excited.

"Come and play with me" the tree said.

"I do not have time to play. I have to work for my family. We need a house for shelter. Can you help me?" "

"Sorry, but I do not have any house. But you can chop off my branches
To build your house."

So the man cut all the branches of the tree and left happily. The tree was glad to see him happy but the man never came back since then. The tree was again lonely and sad.

One hot summer day, the man returned and the tree was delighted.

"Come and play with me!" the tree said.

"I am getting old. I want to go sailing to relax myself. Can you give me a boat," said the man.

"Use my trunk to build your boat. You can sail far away and be happy."

So the man cut the tree trunk to make a boat. He went sailing and never showed up for a long time. Finally, the man returned after many years.

"Sorry, my boy. But I do not have anything for you anymore.
No more apples for you..." The tree said.

"No problem, I do not have any teeth to bite." The man replied.

"No more trunk for you to climb on"

"I am too old for that now" the man said.

"I really cannot give you anything... The only thing left is my dying root,"
The tree said with tears.

"I do not need much now, just a place to rest. I am tired after all these years" the man replied.

"Good! Old tree roots are the best place to lean on and rest. Come, come sit down with me and rest."

The man sat down and the tree was glad and smiled with tears...

Ten Laws of Lifetime Growth

by Dan Sullivan and Catherine Nomura

1. Always make your future bigger than your past.

2. Always make your learning greater than your experience.

3. Always make your contribution bigger than your reward.

4. Always make your performance greater than your applause.

5. Always make your gratitude greater than your success.

6. Always make your enjoyment greater than your effort.

7. Always make your cooperation greater than your status.

8. Always make your confidence greater than your comfort.

9. Always make your purpose greater than your money.

10. Always make your questions bigger than your answers.

Clock, Thorns and Heart

Married Life

After 20 years of marriage, a couple was lying in bed one evening, when the wife felt her husband begin to touch her in ways he hadn't in quite some time.

It almost tickled as his fingers started at her neck, and then began moving down past the small of her back. He then slid his hand across her shoulders and neck, slowly worked it down over one breast, then the other, stopping just over her lower stomach.

He then proceeded to place his hand on her left inner arm, caressed past the side of her breast again, working down her side, passed gently over and then in between her buttock and down her leg to her calf.

Then, he proceeded up her inner thigh, stopping just at the uppermost portion of her leg. He continued in the same manner on her right side, then suddenly stopped, rolled over and became silent.

As she had become quite aroused by this caressing, she asked in a loving voice, 'That was wonderful. Why did you stop?'

"I found the remote,' he said.

Life is too short...

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

Life comes just once so let's make the most out of it. God didn't give us everything to enjoy life, but He gave us life to enjoy everything.

The Baker and the Farmer

A baker in a little country town bought the butter he used from a nearby farmer. One day he suspected that the bricks of butter were not full pounds, and for several days he weighed them.

He was right. They were short weight, and he had the farmer arrested.

At the trial the judge said to the farmer, "I presume you have scales?"

"No, your honor."

"Then how do you manage to weigh the butter you sell?" inquired the judge.

The farmer replied, "That's easily explained, your honor. I have balances and for a weight I use a one-pound loaf I buy from the baker."

Happiness is....

Happiness is a very subjective factor in one's life. Being happy doesn't depend on achieving what you want, but rather making the best out of what is given. Life isn't fair, it never was... The only thing that can make you completely happy is contentment. Be contented on what you have, but be sure to aim high and never stop believing you can do better everytime. But if all else fails, don't forget that an ordinary "YOU" has an extraordinary God to back you up.

24 Interludes of Life

1. Don't go for looks, they can deceive. Don't go for wealth even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile.

2. There are moments in life when you really miss someone that you want to pick them up from your dreams and hug them. Hope you dream of that someone.

3. Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want in life.

4. May you have...Enough happiness to make you sweet
Enough trials to make you strong
Enough sorrow to keep you human
Enough hope to make you happy
And enough money to keep you comfortable.

5. When one door of happiness closes, another opens. But we often took so long at the closed door, that we don't see the one which has been opened for us.

6. The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch, swing with, never saying a word and then walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've had.

7. It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.

8. Always put yourself in other's shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it probably does hurt the person too.

9. A careless word may kindle a strife;
A cruel word may wreck a life
A timely word may level stress
A lovely word may heal and bless.

10. The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves and not to twist them with our own image, otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.

11. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything that comes along the way.

12. Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we should know how to be grateful for that gift.

13. It takes a minute to have a crush on someone, an hour to like someone and a day to love someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.

14. Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched and those who have tried. For only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives.

15. Love is when you take away the feeling, the passion, the romance and find out you still care for that person.

16. A sad thing about life is that when you meet someone who means a lot to you only to find out in the end that it was never bound to be and you just have to let go.

17. Love starts with a smile, develops with a kiss and ends with a tear.

18. Love comes to those who still hope even though they've been disappointed, to those who still believe even though they've been betrayed, need to love those who still love, even though they've been hurt before.

19. It hurts to love someone, and not to be loved in return but what is most painful is to love someone and never finds the courage to let the person know how you feel.

20. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past. You can't go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

21. Never say goodbye when you still want to try;
Never give up when you still feel you can take it;
Never say you don't love that person anymore when you can't let go.

22. Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they'll love you back. Don't expect love in return, just wait for it to grow in their hearts but if it doesn't, be content it grew in yours.

23. There are things you love to hear but you would never hear it from the person whom you would like to hear it from, but don't be deaf to hear it from the person who says it with his heart.

24. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life to the fullest so that when you die, you're smiling and everyone
around you is crying.

Author Unknown

Life Explained

On the first day, God created the dog and said: "Sit
all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone
who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you
a life span of twenty years." The dog said: "That's a
long time to be barking. How about only ten years and
I'll give you back the other ten?" So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey and said:
"Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For
this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span " The
monkey said: "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a
pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back
ten like the dog did?" And God agreed.

On the third day, God created the cow and
said: "You must go into the field with the farmer all
day long and suffer under the sun, have calves, and
give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I
will give you a life span of sixty years." The cow
said: "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live
for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back
the other forty?" And God agreed again.

On the fourth day, God created man and said: "Eat,
sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll
give you twenty years." But man said: "Only twenty
years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty
the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and
the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?"
"Okay," said God, "You asked for it."

So that is why the first twenty years we eat, sleep,
play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we
slave in the sun to support our family. For the next
ten years, we do monkey tricks to entertain the
grandchildren. And for the last ten years, we sit on
the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you.

Everyday Notes to Enjoy Life (13)

Was there a time when your boss noticed your good work or accomplishments? Or perhaps a good old neighbor noticing your orhids which you have painstakingly labored for them to grow wonderful flowers. It feels great, right? There's a feeling of satisfaction inside you, even though there isn't any material rewards. In fact an honest, sincere praise is worth more than any rewards. Somehow it lifts your moods. It keeps you on your goals. It motivates you to work even harder and it gives you a sense of pride. You would feel elated that someone appreciated you.

Praising is like putting someone in a higher pedestal without lifting a finger. The problem is that, some people find it easier to look for the flaws. Because it's much fun and amusing to gossip about other's imperfections. These people are selfish. They are jealous. And they hide their dark pride by resenting others.

Praise someone. "Lift him up" and you'll find a pleasant reward in return.

Happy Father's Day!

I'd like to share this wonderfull poem by Edgar Guest dedicated to all responsible, loving fathers all over the planet.

Only A Dad

by Edgar Guest

Only a dad with a tired face,
Coming home from the daily race,
Bringing little of gold or fame
To show how well he has played the game;
But glad in his heart that his own rejoice
To see him come and to hear his voice.

Only a dad with a brood of four,
One of ten million men or more
Plodding along in the daily strife,
Bearing the whips and the scorns of life,
With never a whimper of pain or hate,
For the sake of those who at home await.

Only a dad, neither rich nor proud,
Merely one of the surging crowd,
Toiling, striving from day to day,
Facing whatever may come his way,
Silent whenever the harsh condemn,
And bearing it all for the love of them.

Only a dad but he gives his all,
To smooth the way for his children small,
Doing with courage stern and grim
The deeds that his father did for him.
This is the line that for him I pen:
Only a dad, but the best of men.

Everyday Notes to Enjoy Life (12)

It's been awhile since my last post on this series. And now it's back after a deep slumber.

I am a conservative, old-fashioned, extremely plain guy when it comes to choosing clothes. My taste for fashion has not changed for the last decade, same color, same style, same get-up. I am a bit picky when it comes to what I wear. I always pick those that I have been accustomed to use. My wife has been trying to influence my fashion taste. She's been trying to reboot my image. In fact this Father's day, she gave me a really cool T-shirt and I really love the fit. It's a great feeling to reinvent yourself sometimes and I appreciate my wife's effort for helping me out. So be adventurous on what you wear. It creates better confidence and adds self-esteem.

Keep on doing good..

I've received another uplifting email message...

A man woke up early in order to have his morning devotion in the Lord's house. He got dressed, set on his way to the Lords house.

On his way to the church, the man fell and his clothes got dirty. He got up, brushed himself off, and headed home. At home, he changed his clothes, and was, again, on his way to the Lord's house.

On his way to the church, he fell again and at the same spot! He, again, got up, brushed himself off and headed home. At home he, once again, changed his clothes and was on his way to the Lords house.

On his way to the house of God, he met a man holding a lamp. He asked the man of his identity and the man replied, "I saw you fall twice on your way to the house of God, so I brought a lamp so I can light your way".

The first man thanked him profusely and the two were on their way to the house of God. Once at the house of God, the first man asked the man with the lamp to come in and pray with him. The second man refused. The first man asked him a couple more times and, Again, the answer was the same.

The first man asked him why he did not wish to come in and pray. The man replied, "I am Satan".

The man was shocked at this reply. Satan went on to explain, "I saw you on your way to the house of God and it was I who made you fall. When you went home, cleaned yourself and went back on your way to the house of God , God forgave all of your sins. I made you fall a second time, and even that did not encourage you to stay home, but rather, you went back on your way to Church. Because of that, God forgave all the sins of the people of your household. I was afraid if I made you fall one more time, then God will forgive the sins of the people of your village, so I made sure that you reached the house of God safely."

So do not let Satan benefit from his actions. Do not put off the good you intended to do as you never know how much reward you might receive from the hardships you encounter while trying to achieve that good.

For your righteousness can save your family and nation at large. Do this and see the victory of the Lord.

One Day I Decided To Quit

One day I decided to quit...

I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me... "Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.
I gave them light. I gave them water.
The fern quickly grew from the earth.
Its brilliant green covered the floor.
Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed.
But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed.
But I did not quit on the bamboo." He said.

"In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit." He said.

"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.
Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...
But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots.
Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.
I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been
struggling, you have actually been growing roots."

"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare
yourself to others .." He said.

" The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern ... Yet, they both make
the forest beautiful. Your time will come, " God said to me. "You will rise high!"

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can? " I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can. "

I left the forest and bring back this story.

I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.

He will never give up on you.

Never regret a day in your life.

Good days give you happiness

Bad days give you experiences;

Both are essential to life.

A happy and meaningful life requires our continuous input and creativity.
It does not happen by chance. It happens because of our choices and actions.
And each day we are given new opportunities to choose and act and,
in doing so, we create our own unique journey." Keep going...

Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrows keep you Human,
Failures keep you humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!

And as a postscript I may add, that just like a bamboo when it grows so tall, it can bend back to the ground and dance with the wind. It doesn't grow stiff and boisterous. So learn to grow roots and rise like the bamboo but never forget humility.

Summer Time!

Summer life in the Philippines is so fiestarrific. It is one of my favorite seasons, second to Christmas. Because summer here is synonymous to beaches. Almost the entire summer season, you'd find beaches in fiesta atmosphere.



The Philippines is very blessed with great summer getaways, from north to south and within the scattered islands, beaches abound. In the north, the Batanes islands welcome tourists and whale pods alike to its majestic hills and temperate waters.



In Pangasinan, the famous hundred islands entice you to go island hopping. In Boracay, the pristine waters and white sand beaches attract thousands of visitors all year. Puerto Galera, another popular white sand island boasts its attractive diving sites.



Down the south is Siargao beach, which is considered the surfing capital of the Philippines where international competitions are held. And then there is Bohol and Palawan islands, hosting the most diversified wildlife in nature. Their magnificent diving sites, beaches and vacation islands such as Panglao, El Nido and Aman Pulo entice even Hollywood celebrities.



I am looking forward to another nice summer dip in the beach, forget work, throw away stress and get in touch with nature.

Rice Crisis!

It's very ironical to know that a very agricultural country like the Philippines is actually experiencing a rice crisis. Some areas of the nation have people literally lining-up in stores for their daily ration of rice. And some people are now crying for help from the government which repeatedly assures plenty of supply. The price of rice zoomed from 24 pesos to 35 pesos per kilo of the same variant over the week and continually climbs.

The Catholic church has offered help in distribution of rice. Some restaurants and food chains have also offered to their customers half-orders of rice.

I really hope this will be controlled soon as police authorities have warned that crime rates will rise if the situation aggravates.

Happy Easter 2008

Happy Easter to all! Hope that the risen Christ finds His way into your hearts and that the reflection on the past Holy Week gives birth to a new you.

That is actually the basic message in the Easter celebration - rebirth. Which is why we have Easter eggs because eggs symbolize the nature of being reborn. It is the season of renewal. We reflect on our past past values, shed those that were not proper and instill in our hearts those that Christ wants us to accomplish.

The season of Lent re-echoes God’s call for us all to reorient and redirect our hearts toward God. What we love reveals what we value. The secret of having a meaningful and grace-filled season lies in what is hidden in us. May God find a contrite heart in each of us. May we be renewed!

In Him alone

I want to share this very meaningful song from Bukas Palad Music Ministry.

REFRAIN:
In Him alone is our hope
In Him alone is our strength
In Him alone are we justified
In Him alone are we saved

What have we to offer
That does not fade or wither
Can the world ever satisfy
The emptiness in our hearts
In vain we deny (REFRAIN)

When will you cease running
In search of hollow meaning
Let His love feed the hunger
In your soul till it overflows
With joy you yearn to know (REFRAIN)

DESCANT:
In Him alone is our hope
Unto Him I pour out my heart
He alone will save me
With His love and mercy.

Bo Speaks

I have always admired Bo Sanchez's talks. When he talks everyone is at all ears. Here's one reason why...

"Let me tell you a crazy story I heard recently. There's this husband who out of sheer love for his wife decided to prove it to her. So he swam the widest oceans, crossed the deepest rivers, and climbed the highest mountains to show his deep devotion to her. But in the end, she divorced him.

Why? Because he was never home.(Get it?)" - Bo Sanchez

A short anecdote on humility

I love Fr. Jerry Orbos' short but witty anecdote.

A child once asked his father: "Why do I need to be humble?"

His father replied: "My child, when you choose the lowly path, there is no place to fall and the only way is up."

and then there's this...

A thought to ponder, from a blood donor:

I gave blood, He gave His life;
I gave a pint, He gave it all;
the needle was short and sharp, the nails were large and dull;
the cot was soft and restful, the cross was rough and hard;
the med tech was kind and gentle, the soldiers were mean and cruel;
the crowd applauded my sacrifice, He was derided and reviled;
mine was given to prolong life, His was given for eternal life.

Hope each of us will learn humility while we are still "human".

Give Thanks

In view of the Lenten Season, let's pause and remember why we are here, how we were saved, and what we keep on forgetting...

Give thanks
with a grateful heart
Give thanks
to the Holy One
Give thanks
for He's given
Jesus Christ, His son

And now let the weak say
I am strong
Let the poor say
I am rich
Because of what
the Lord has done
for us

Give thanks...

Dismal service no more

I finally deicided to pay a visit to the restaurant I was ranting about a few posts ago, and it wasn't a great surprise for me that their service has significantly improve. Their crews are much more attentive to the customer's needs and they are much more courteous this time. I don't consider owning the cause of their significant change after the text message that I've sent them, but I think overtime the management found it out themselves that something is wrong. Oh well, it's good that they're back on their feet and that I can regularly go visit them again.

God's Days

by Robert J. Burdette

There are two days in the week upon which and about which I never worry -- two carefree days kept sacredly free from fear and apprehension. One of these days is Yesterday. Yesterday, with its cares and fret and pains and aches, all its faults, its mistakes and blunders, has passed forever beyond my recall. It was mine; it is God's.

The other day that I do not worry about is Tomorrow. Tomorrow, with all its possible adversities, its burdens, its perils, its large promise and performance, its failures and mistakes, is as far beyond my mastery as its dead sister, Yesterday. Tomorrow is God's day; it will be mine.

There is left, then, for myself but one day in the week - Today. Any man can fight the battles of today. Any woman can carry the burdens of just one day; any man can resist the temptation of today. It is only when we willfully add the burden of these two awful eternities - Yesterday and Tomorrow - such burdens as only the Mighty God can sustain - that we break down.

It isn't the experience of Today that drives men mad. It is the remorse of what happened Yesterday and fear of what Tomorrow might bring. These are God's Days ... Leave them to Him.

Inspiring poems by Helen Steiner Rice

Helen Steiner Rice is acclaimed as America's beloved inspirational poet laureate. She has inspired millions of people through her sensitive, loving verses. Her strong faith and belief in God sustained her thru life which was punctuated by tragedy. She lost her father during the 1918 flu epidemic. She and her husband suffered financially during the 1930s recession. Her husband committed suicide due to depression. But the seeds of her sorrow gave birth to some of her most uplifting verses.

Everyone Needs Someone

People need people and friends need friends,
And we all need love for a full life depends-
Not on vast riches or great acclaim,
Not on success or on worldy fame,
But just in knowing that someone cares,
And holds us close in their thoughts and prayers-
For only the knowledge that we're understood,
Makes everyday living feel wonderfully good,
And we rob ourselves of life's greatest need,
When we "lock up our hearts" and fail to heed,
The outstretched hand reaching to find,
A kindred spirit whose heart and mind,
Are lonely and longing to somehow share,
Our joys and sorrows and to make us aware,
That life's completeness and richness depends,
On the things we share with our loved ones and friends.

Prayers Can't Be Answered Unless They Are Prayed

Life without purpose is barren indeed
There can't be a harvest unless you plant seed
There can't be attainment unless there's a goal
And man's but a robot unless there's a soul
If we send no ships out, no ships will come in
And unless there's a contest, nobody can't win
For games can't be won unless they are played
And prayers can't be answered unless they are prayed.

So whatever is wrong with your life today
You'll find a solution if you kneel down and pray
Not just for pleasure, enjoyment and health
Not just for honors and prestige and wealth
But pray for a purpose to make life worth giving
And pray for the joy of unselfish giving
For great is your gladness and rich your reward
When you make your life's purpose the choice of the Lord.

Christian Alphabet

A lthough things are not perfect
B ecause of trial or pain
C ontinue in thanksgiving
D o not begin to blame.
E ven when the times are hard
F ierce winds are bound to blow
G od is forever able
H old on to what you know.
I magine life without His love
J oy would cease to be
K eep thanking Him for all the things
L ove imparts to thee.
M ove out of "Camp Complaining"
N o weapon that is known
O n earth can yield the power
P raise can do alone.
Q uit looking at the future
R edeem the time at hand
S tart every day with worship
T o "thank" is a command.
U ntil we see Him coming
V ictorious in the sky
W e'll run the race with gratitude
X alting God most high.
Y es, there will be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything. Be Blessed.

Five Basic Principles

Don't let someone become a priority in your life when you are just an option for them.

Never cry for any relation in life because for the one whom you cry does not deserve your tears and the one who deserves will never let you cry.

Treat everyone with politeness even those who are rude to you, not because they are not nice but because you are nice.

Never search your happiness in others which will make you feel alone, rather search it in yourself, you will feel happy even if you are left alone.

Happiness always looks small when we hold it in our hands but when we learn to share it, we realize how big and precious it is.

Life's not like that!

We've dealt a lot about what life is in the past. But how about what life is not and still get a positive outlook. Well here is a list of things that life is not about. I hope you can add some of yours...

Life is not just an existence, it's an opportunity to make a difference.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Life is not about finding yourself, Life is about Creating yourself.

Life's not like the movies. There's no script that says the good guys have to win.

Life's not like you imagine it as a child.

Life's not about staying on your feet. It's about getting up when you fall.

Life's not about fitting in; it's about standing out.

Life's not about expecting, hoping and wishing, it's about doing, being and becoming.

Life's not what you make it; it's what you make of it.

Life's not always fair. Sometimes you can get a splinter even sliding down a rainbow.

Life is not a problem to be solved but a reality to be experienced.

Everyday notes to enjoy life (11)

It's a new year. Bountiful blessings were showered to us last year. Either we caught some or not, we've had the opportunity. That alone is a good reason to be thankful.

To show a small gratitude to those who made the difference in our lives is quite admirable. Why not stop for a while and show a little appreciation to all those who have helped. Send a simple thank you note to them who have extended assistance and in some ways have provided comfort. But before everyone else, thank God for His wonderful blessings.

A Thread of Faith

Thomas is a very sinful man. Naturally, when he died his soul went straight to hell. That's the time he regreted all of what he's done. For he can no longer bear the torture, punishment and fire that's eating up his soul. He began to contemplate very hard on his sins. He began to pray. He prayed so hard and he prayed heartfully. And God was so merciful that he listened to Thomas' plea to get him out of hell.

God said, "Thomas, I'm giving you another chance. I'm going to drop a thread for you to hold on while I pull you out of that burning pit." And so God fulfilled His promise.

A very thin thread dropped from heaven. Thomas grabbed the thin thread and hold on to it. Suddenly, he is slowly being pulled up. Slowly, he is ascending through the piece of thin thread.

The other souls in hell noticed this and they immediately scrambled unto Thomas. They were frantically grabbing him from everywhere. His legs, his arms. They were all over him because everyone wants to be saved.

Thomas panicked. "You stupid fools, this thread won't hold all of us!" He shrieked. And in his furious effort to get rid of them, he kicked and swat and cursed everyone who grabbed him. That's when the thread snapped and they all fell down back to the burning pit.

Then God said, "Thomas, that very piece of thread was your faith and it wasn't strong enough to pull you out from your misery."

CNN's Top Ten Life-Affirming Movies

CNN,s The Screening Room lists the Top Ten Life-affirming movie moments.

1. It's A Wonderful Life(Frank Capra, 1946) "Remember, no man is a failure who has friends." Perennial Christmas favorite "It's A Wonderful Life" sees habitual do-gooder George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) pulled back from the brink of despair by wannabe angel Clarence. As Bailey embraces his life with joy, it's his friend's final sign-off that draws a sentimental tear from even the most stone-hearted viewer.

2. Spartacus(Stanley Kubrick, 1960) After the battle, Crassus (Laurence Olivier) promises to spare the rebel slaves' lives if they give up Spartacus (Kirk Douglas). In a stirring response, knowing that they are condemning themselves to death by crucifixion, they each rise with a cry of "I am Spartacus!" One moment's freedom has never tasted so sweet.

3. Casablanca(Michael Curtiz, 1942) A tense frisson of resentment ripples through Rick's Bar as the boorish Nazi officers strike up in patriotic song. But a command from Lazlo (Paul Henreid), a nod from Rick (Humphrey Bogart), and a rousing chorus of the Marseillaise sees the hated occupiers put firmly back in their place.

4. The Shawshank Redemption(Frank Darabont, 1994) In the harsh conditions of Shawshank Penitentiary, Andy (Tim Robbins) seizes an opportunity to lock himself in an office and broadcast a Mozart aria over the PA system. The heavenly voices shine light into the darkest depths of despair, bringing humanity to a place where there is none.

5. Saving Private Ryan(Steven Spielberg, 1998) "James -- earn this. Earn it." As the gunfire pauses, Captain Miller (Tom Hanks) implores Private Ryan (Matt Damon) -- and, by proxy, us -- not to waste a drop of life: the greatest of gifts is too precious to be frittered away.

6. Blade Runner(Ridley Scott, 1982) Roy the replicant's deep humanity comes to the fore as his last moments slip away. Rutger Hauer's lines on life's fleeting nature -- "lost in time like tears in the rain" -- are both provocative and poignant: has he become more human than the people who seek to hunt him down?

7. American Beauty(Sam Mendes, 1999) "It's hard to stay mad when there's so much beauty in the world." Kevin Spacey's closing speech inspires us to look at the world around us with fresh eyes, from the flaws in our loved ones to plastic bags caught in the wind.

8. Silent Running(Douglas Trumbull, 1972) "Take good care of the forest, Huey." Renegade botanist Freeman Lowell (Bruce Dern) blasts the world's last remaining plant life into deep space, with only a robot to tend to it. A timely reminder of how one man's actions can preserve life and hope.

9. Dead Poets' Society(Peter Weir, 1989) Mr Keating (Robin Williams) inspires his young charges to seize the day and throw off the shackles of their privileged yet stuffy school. We challenge you not to feel a lump in your throat when Todd (played by a young Ethan Hawke) and his classmates stand on the desk in spirited tribute to their disgraced teacher.

10. Victory(John Huston, 1981) "Come on lads, we can win this one!" Ludicrous yet rousing, "Victory" pitted plucky British footballers, led by Michael Caine and fortified by Pele and Sly, against a dastardly German team in a high-profile game that's weighted against them. Their plot? To escape during half time. But who wants to flee midway when there's a match to be won? "Victoire! Victoire!" chant the crowd.

Allow Your Own Inner Light to Guide You

It's another new year. Most of us may have new goals set, new dreams to follow and new aspirations to achieve. I found the following very inspiring and encouraging.

Allow Your Own Inner Light to Guide You

There comes a time when you must stand alone.

You must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams.

You must be willing to make sacrifices.

You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved.

Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged.

There are times when you must take a few extra chances and create your own realities.

Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better.

Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by.

Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life.

Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way.