For the body itself is not made up of only one part, but of many parts. If the foot were to say, "Because I am not a hand, I don't belong to the body," that would not keep it from being a part of the body. And if the ear were to say,"Because i am not an eye, I don't belong to the body," that would not keep it from being a part of the body. If the whole body were just an eye, how could it hear? And if it were only an ear, how could it smell? As it is, however, God put every different part in the body just as he wanted it to be. There would not be a body if it were all only one part! As it is, there are many parts but one body.
So then, the eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" Nor can the head say to the feet, "Well, I don't need you!" On the contrary, we cannot do without the parts of the body that seem to be weaker, and those parts that we think aren't worth very much are the ones which we treat with greater care; while the parts of the body which don't look very nice are treated with special modesty, which the more beautiful parts do not need. God himself has put the body together in such a way as to give greater honor to those parts that need it. And so there is no division in the body, but all its different parts have the same concern for one another. If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts share its happiness.
1 Corinthians 12:14-26
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The 7 Deadly Sins
Holy week is here and most people would think of this time of the year for a deeper reflection of their misdeeds and repent. It might be a normal practice but as Christians, we don't have to wait for a "special time" to do this. There should be a moment each day to reflect on what has been done for the day and review ourselves. The basis for our wrongdoings will be guided with knowing the 7 deadly sins, which are:
1. Pride - pride is the greatest sin and the root of all man's problem.
2. Greed - is the self-serving desire for the pursuit of money, wealth, power or other possessions especially when we deny the same goods to others.
3. Lust - we often have negative or lustful thoughts toward other people, what's usually corrupted is what is inside our mind and our hearts. Lust is the desire for what God has forbidden, it is an "obsessive sexual craving".
4. Anger - belongs to the righteous, every angry person feels that he/she is righteous and his opponent is unrighteous.
5. Gluttony - the main problem of gluttony is the sinful content of the heart, it is deadly toward others and deadly towards self.
6. Envy - the deadly sin with the worst excuse, it makes us think that God is unfair, it encourages us to entail sins no matter where and envy changes our priorities.
7. Sloth - is the sin of idleness, it suggest laziness, time and talent wasting. It is a sin of mediocrity and a sin of omission.
Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
1. Pride - pride is the greatest sin and the root of all man's problem.
2. Greed - is the self-serving desire for the pursuit of money, wealth, power or other possessions especially when we deny the same goods to others.
3. Lust - we often have negative or lustful thoughts toward other people, what's usually corrupted is what is inside our mind and our hearts. Lust is the desire for what God has forbidden, it is an "obsessive sexual craving".
4. Anger - belongs to the righteous, every angry person feels that he/she is righteous and his opponent is unrighteous.
5. Gluttony - the main problem of gluttony is the sinful content of the heart, it is deadly toward others and deadly towards self.
6. Envy - the deadly sin with the worst excuse, it makes us think that God is unfair, it encourages us to entail sins no matter where and envy changes our priorities.
7. Sloth - is the sin of idleness, it suggest laziness, time and talent wasting. It is a sin of mediocrity and a sin of omission.
Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Is Life Meaningless?
The topic discussed in our church last Sunday was about life's frustrations. King Solomon was the most wealthy man during his time, the most powerful, with 700 wives and 300 concubines. With all the material things surrounding him, his life was still filled with frustrations. In these words: Ecclesiastes 1: 2 "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." It is the emptiness of life, no matter how rich or wealthy a person is, life is still empty if the mind focuses earthbound. His frustrations were defined as follows:
I. All is Frustration - Ecclesiastes 1:3 What does man gain from all his labor
at which he toils under the sun?
II. Frustration in Nature and History - Ecclesiastes 1:9 What has been will be again,
what has been done will be done again;there is nothing new under the sun.
11 There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come
will not be remembered by those who follow.
III. The Frustration of Wisdom - Ecclesiastes 1:16 I thought to myself, "Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge." 17 Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.
18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.
IV. The Frustration of Unlimited Wealth - Ecclesiastes 2:10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.
11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done
and what I had toiled to achieve,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;
nothing was gained under the sun.
V. The Ultimate Frustration: Death! - Ecclesiastes 2:16 For the wise man, like the fool, will not be long remembered;
in days to come both will be forgotten.
Like the fool, the wise man too must die!
VI. Practical Advice: Ecclesiastes 11:9 Be happy, young man, while you are young,
and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.
Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see,
but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.
Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth,
before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say,
"I find no pleasure in them"-
V. Final Conclusion - Ecclesiastes 12:13 Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.
God has set a pattern of our life, it cannot be changed. God knows and set it for us to have a meaningful life, we just have to act on the right time! Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
I. All is Frustration - Ecclesiastes 1:3 What does man gain from all his labor
at which he toils under the sun?
II. Frustration in Nature and History - Ecclesiastes 1:9 What has been will be again,
what has been done will be done again;there is nothing new under the sun.
11 There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come
will not be remembered by those who follow.
III. The Frustration of Wisdom - Ecclesiastes 1:16 I thought to myself, "Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge." 17 Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.
18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.
IV. The Frustration of Unlimited Wealth - Ecclesiastes 2:10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.
11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done
and what I had toiled to achieve,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;
nothing was gained under the sun.
V. The Ultimate Frustration: Death! - Ecclesiastes 2:16 For the wise man, like the fool, will not be long remembered;
in days to come both will be forgotten.
Like the fool, the wise man too must die!
VI. Practical Advice: Ecclesiastes 11:9 Be happy, young man, while you are young,
and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.
Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see,
but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.
Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth,
before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say,
"I find no pleasure in them"-
V. Final Conclusion - Ecclesiastes 12:13 Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.
God has set a pattern of our life, it cannot be changed. God knows and set it for us to have a meaningful life, we just have to act on the right time! Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
How to identify God's blessings
God blesses us everyday. He sends us blessings in different ways, we may not realize it but it is right before our eyes can see. How do we recognize God's blessings? Foremost, one should have a grateful heart. If we are thankful for whatever that comes or happens in our lives, it is easy to identify the blessing given to us. A bitter heart never sees the goodness of life and the mind could not recognize anything better than heartaches and failures.
A few days back, i had a very short stint with a call center. My work mates felt bad about the work stoppage as everybody needed the job. I felt sad too but looking on the brighter side, I was glad I was able to join the group even for a short while as I gained new young friends. Now I have young buddies to go job hunting and I feel young again! That's making me lively! Thank you God for my new young friends.
A few days back, i had a very short stint with a call center. My work mates felt bad about the work stoppage as everybody needed the job. I felt sad too but looking on the brighter side, I was glad I was able to join the group even for a short while as I gained new young friends. Now I have young buddies to go job hunting and I feel young again! That's making me lively! Thank you God for my new young friends.
Graduation!
I am a very happy mother!
Last March 17 my only son graduated Magna cum Laude from the University of Cebu with the course of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation. He was the top Cadet of his batch. As his Mom, I felt so blessed and grateful to God for giving me a fully-packed gift. He is a son every mom could be proud of; brainy, responsible, respectful,loving and very good looking...nothing more you could ask for!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Kris Aquino
Remembering the Past
I admired Kris Aquino as i watched the news today. Truly, it was painful to see those people freed from prison who were accused of killing her father Ninoy without being remorseful of what has been recorded as an unforgettable event of the Philippines. She speaks without pride, humbled herself of what the family has been through.
Kris understands that the soldiers did not act on their own, they (the Aquino's) did not point their fingers on the soldiers but they want to hear the "true story". Sadly, these soldiers still have the guts to dare re-opening of the case. Wouldn't it be wise for them to keep their mouth close if they have nothing relevant to say? And, Be Thankful that you are now free and can breathe the air of the outside world! Keep that pride away for God has blessed you to be with your family again.
I admired Kris Aquino as i watched the news today. Truly, it was painful to see those people freed from prison who were accused of killing her father Ninoy without being remorseful of what has been recorded as an unforgettable event of the Philippines. She speaks without pride, humbled herself of what the family has been through.
Kris understands that the soldiers did not act on their own, they (the Aquino's) did not point their fingers on the soldiers but they want to hear the "true story". Sadly, these soldiers still have the guts to dare re-opening of the case. Wouldn't it be wise for them to keep their mouth close if they have nothing relevant to say? And, Be Thankful that you are now free and can breathe the air of the outside world! Keep that pride away for God has blessed you to be with your family again.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Lenten Reflections
1. Sometimes, God breaks our spirit to save our soul.
2. Sometimes, He breaks our heart to make us whole.
3. Sometimes, He sends us pain so we can be stronger.
4. Sometimes, He sends us failure so we can be humble.
5. Sometimes, He sends us illness so we can take better care of ourselves.
6. Sometimes, He takes "everything" away from us so we can learn the value of the little we have left.
"One good reason why we should pray, it is because GOD CAN DO MORE in five seconds than what we can do for ourselves in five years."
2. Sometimes, He breaks our heart to make us whole.
3. Sometimes, He sends us pain so we can be stronger.
4. Sometimes, He sends us failure so we can be humble.
5. Sometimes, He sends us illness so we can take better care of ourselves.
6. Sometimes, He takes "everything" away from us so we can learn the value of the little we have left.
"One good reason why we should pray, it is because GOD CAN DO MORE in five seconds than what we can do for ourselves in five years."
Saturday, February 21, 2009
How to store and keep different fruits fresh
1. Apple - Easily gets rot in room temperature, should be stored in refrigerator to keep fresh.
2. Grapes - Do not wash until it is ready to serve, put in a plastic bag or a sealed container inside the refrigerator, it will last for two to three days.
3. Banana - Put in a plastic bag and let it stay on the counter, it will ripen in a day or two, do not refrigerate.
4. Avocados - Store hard avocados in paper bag at room temperature, it will ripen in three to five days. Put ripe avocados in refrigerator, it will last up to one week.
5. Strawberries - Do not was until ready to consume. Do not remove caps of strawberries to keep it from absorbing water which results to rot the fruit easily. Put in a plastic-zip bag or sealed container, underline with paper towel to help absorb water and store in refrigerator.
2. Grapes - Do not wash until it is ready to serve, put in a plastic bag or a sealed container inside the refrigerator, it will last for two to three days.
3. Banana - Put in a plastic bag and let it stay on the counter, it will ripen in a day or two, do not refrigerate.
4. Avocados - Store hard avocados in paper bag at room temperature, it will ripen in three to five days. Put ripe avocados in refrigerator, it will last up to one week.
5. Strawberries - Do not was until ready to consume. Do not remove caps of strawberries to keep it from absorbing water which results to rot the fruit easily. Put in a plastic-zip bag or sealed container, underline with paper towel to help absorb water and store in refrigerator.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Job Hunting
It is sad to note that even if you are old and weary, you still have to find job in order to make a living. What is more demeaning is the process of scouting and applying for a job. Here in the Philippines when you go beyond 30, it is already difficult to land a job. Most companies have age limitations of 25 and under for an unskilled, entry level jobs and, 35 and below for a managerial or skilled positions.
With the entry of call centers or BPO's in the Philippines, age is not a problem anymore. Middle aged are now given the chance to apply. However, he or she must have English communication capability, one should be able to speak and write well with precise comprehension of the foreign language. Also deterrent is your ability to engage in a graveyard shift which easily affects the health of the middle age.
In other companies where there is age restriction, the younger ones must also have these attributes to meet: pleasing personality, must be 5'2" in height,etc. Qualities which i do not find essential in becoming an efficient and functional worker.(Didn't they realize that our president is only 4'11"?). These unnecessary requirements only added to the worsening economic condition of our country. Unemployment rate is rising high coupled with more workers coming back due to unemployment abroad. Government should do something about this!
With the entry of call centers or BPO's in the Philippines, age is not a problem anymore. Middle aged are now given the chance to apply. However, he or she must have English communication capability, one should be able to speak and write well with precise comprehension of the foreign language. Also deterrent is your ability to engage in a graveyard shift which easily affects the health of the middle age.
In other companies where there is age restriction, the younger ones must also have these attributes to meet: pleasing personality, must be 5'2" in height,etc. Qualities which i do not find essential in becoming an efficient and functional worker.(Didn't they realize that our president is only 4'11"?). These unnecessary requirements only added to the worsening economic condition of our country. Unemployment rate is rising high coupled with more workers coming back due to unemployment abroad. Government should do something about this!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Wildlife
On our Christmas vacation last December the kids had a personal view of real bats. It was wonderful to see what nature really is, learning about our surroundings will make us thankful to God's creation!
What a Bat Really Is
Like humans, bats are mammals. Bats are the only mammals that actually fly, flapping
their wings to propel them in flight. Some mammals, such as flying squirrels, only
glide rather than fly. Because bats are unique they are classified in their own
special order of mammals, called Chiroptera. Chiroptera means “hand-wing,”
referring to how the finger bones of a bat support its wings. The wings of a bat are
actually thin membranes of skin that stretch between the fingers of the front leg and
extend to the hind legs and tail. The bat’s enlongated finger bones serve a purpose
similar to struts on an airplane wing, providing support and maneuverability
during flight. When a bat rests, it folds its wings alongside its body to protect the
delicate finger bones and wing membranes.
Bats are beneficial. They eat insects and pollinate plants and play an important role in keeping ecosystems healthy and in balance. Many myths are associated with bats, such as the saying “blind as a bat.” This isn’t true. Bats can see quite well. Another myth is that bats get caught in people’s hair. They don’t. Nor are bats destructive pests like rats and mice. In fact, a colony of bats could cut down on unwanted mosquitoes around your house and help keep your garden free of insects.
*****
Picture was taken at Mambucal Hot Spring Resort in Bacolod City, Philippines, nice place to stay for vacation.
Positive Character
Look for Positive Qualities Misused
All children have good character qualities that, when taken to the extreme, have a negative side. One child may be quite organized, but if not careful, may become inflexible in a less structured situation. It's like the saying, "your strength can be your greatest weakness."
One mom told about her son who had a genuine sensitivity to others' needs. He was compassionate and cared for others and often felt things deeply. "I remember one time when he was younger, he began to cry when he saw an ambulance speeding down the road because he knew that someone was hurt inside. He's very caring. Unfortunately, sometimes this sensitivity can cause him to become moody or overly emotional, pouting or crying over the least little problem." So the positive quality is sensitivity but it can have a negative side of being moody or being prone to emotional outbursts.
Another mom saw that her son had the ability to work hard at a task without being distracted. “He focuses intensely, with real determination to succeed.” This quality of being persistent can be a real asset, but sometimes it would show itself as stubbornness.
As you look at your children's weaknesses, look for a positive character quality they may be misusing. Look for ways to balance it with other character qualities. Give praise for the positive quality and encourage practical ways to bring balance. Envision a positive future for your child based on those qualities. Encourage small steps of adjustment to bring them in line.
Focusing on character is one of the ways to touch a child's heart and bring about lasting change.
This parenting tip is from the book Home Improvement: The Parenting Book You Can Read to Your Kids by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
All children have good character qualities that, when taken to the extreme, have a negative side. One child may be quite organized, but if not careful, may become inflexible in a less structured situation. It's like the saying, "your strength can be your greatest weakness."
One mom told about her son who had a genuine sensitivity to others' needs. He was compassionate and cared for others and often felt things deeply. "I remember one time when he was younger, he began to cry when he saw an ambulance speeding down the road because he knew that someone was hurt inside. He's very caring. Unfortunately, sometimes this sensitivity can cause him to become moody or overly emotional, pouting or crying over the least little problem." So the positive quality is sensitivity but it can have a negative side of being moody or being prone to emotional outbursts.
Another mom saw that her son had the ability to work hard at a task without being distracted. “He focuses intensely, with real determination to succeed.” This quality of being persistent can be a real asset, but sometimes it would show itself as stubbornness.
As you look at your children's weaknesses, look for a positive character quality they may be misusing. Look for ways to balance it with other character qualities. Give praise for the positive quality and encourage practical ways to bring balance. Envision a positive future for your child based on those qualities. Encourage small steps of adjustment to bring them in line.
Focusing on character is one of the ways to touch a child's heart and bring about lasting change.
This parenting tip is from the book Home Improvement: The Parenting Book You Can Read to Your Kids by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
God will make a Way
This is a very compelling story said to be true which was forwarded in my mailbox. The story is very touching which showed how God works in so many mysterious ways...
The Tablecloth
The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn , arrived in early October excited about their opportunities. When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve. They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc., and on December 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished.
On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days.
On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about Head high.
The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home. On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.
By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus.. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later.
She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area.
Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet.. "Pastor," she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?" The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria .
The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria . When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave.
Her husband was going to follow her the next week. He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again.
The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church. The pastor insisted on driving her home, that was the least he could do.. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn
for the day for a housecleaning job.
What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return. One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn't leaving.
The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike.
He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison.. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.
The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier.
He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.
Prayer:
I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today, to guide you and protect you as you go along your way. His love is always with you, His promises are true, and when we give Him all our cares you know He will see us through.
Father, God, bless all my friends and family in what ever it is that You know they may be needing this day! May their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.
So when the road you're traveling on seems difficult at best.. Just remember I'm here
praying and God will make a way. When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need.
The Tablecloth
The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn , arrived in early October excited about their opportunities. When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve. They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc., and on December 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished.
On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days.
On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about Head high.
The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home. On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.
By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus.. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later.
She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area.
Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet.. "Pastor," she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?" The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria .
The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria . When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave.
Her husband was going to follow her the next week. He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again.
The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church. The pastor insisted on driving her home, that was the least he could do.. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn
for the day for a housecleaning job.
What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return. One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn't leaving.
The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike.
He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison.. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.
The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier.
He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.
Prayer:
I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today, to guide you and protect you as you go along your way. His love is always with you, His promises are true, and when we give Him all our cares you know He will see us through.
Father, God, bless all my friends and family in what ever it is that You know they may be needing this day! May their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.
So when the road you're traveling on seems difficult at best.. Just remember I'm here
praying and God will make a way. When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need.
Gospel Tract
Blessed are your eyes for reading this message. I would like to share this story which has stayed in my mailbox for a long time. The story filled my heart with Love of Life and i pray that it will fill yours, please read...
The Pastor and his son
Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at the church, the Pastor and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel Tracts.
This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring down rain. The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, "OK, dad, I'm ready." His Pastor dad asked, "Ready for what?" "Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out." Dad responds, "Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring down rain."
The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, "But Dad, aren't people still going to Hell, even though it's raining?" Dad answers, "Son, I am not going out in this weather." Despondently, the boy asks, Dad, can I go? Please? His father hesitated for a moment then said, "Son, you can go. Here are the tracts, be careful son."
"Thanks Dad!" And with that, he was off and out into the rain. This eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract.
After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST TRACT. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally deserted. Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell. He rang the bell, but nobody answered. He rang it again and again, but still no one answered. He waited but still no answer.
Finally, this eleven year old trooper turned to leave, but something stopped him. Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch. He rang again and this time the door slowly opened.
Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady. She softly asked, "What can I do for you, son?" With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, "Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that *JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU* and I came to give you my very last Gospel Tract which will tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE."
With that, he handed her his last tract and turned to leave. She called to him as he departed. "Thank you, son! And God Bless You!"
Well, the following Sunday morning in church Pastor Dad was in the pulpit. As the service began, he asked, "Does anybody have testimony or want to say anything?" Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly lady stood to her feet. As she began to speak, a look of glorious radiance came from her face, "No one in this church knows me. I've never been here before. You see, before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world. Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live. So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and brokenhearted I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, "I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away."
I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly. I thought to myself again, "Who on earth could this be? Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me." I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder.
When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you! The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead, TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, " Ma'am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU." Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in my hand.
As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel Tract. Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more. You see---I am now a Happy Child of the KING. Since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel Tract, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell."
There was not a dry eye in the church. And as shouts of praise and honor to THE KING resounded off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the little angel was seated. He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.
Probably no church has had a more glorious moment, and probably this universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love & honor for his son... Except for One. This Father also allowed His Son to go out into a cold and dark world. He received His Son back with joy unspeakable, and as all of heaven shouted praises and honor to The King, the Father sat His beloved Son on a throne far above all principality and power and every name that is named.
Heaven is for His people! JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU! Remember, God's message CAN make the difference in the life of someone close to you. So please share this wonderful message.
The Pastor and his son
Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at the church, the Pastor and his eleven year old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel Tracts.
This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside, as well as pouring down rain. The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said, "OK, dad, I'm ready." His Pastor dad asked, "Ready for what?" "Dad, it's time we gather our tracts together and go out." Dad responds, "Son, it's very cold outside and it's pouring down rain."
The boy gives his dad a surprised look, asking, "But Dad, aren't people still going to Hell, even though it's raining?" Dad answers, "Son, I am not going out in this weather." Despondently, the boy asks, Dad, can I go? Please? His father hesitated for a moment then said, "Son, you can go. Here are the tracts, be careful son."
"Thanks Dad!" And with that, he was off and out into the rain. This eleven year old boy walked the streets of the town going door to door and handing everybody he met in the street a Gospel Tract.
After two hours of walking in the rain, he was soaking, bone-chilled wet and down to his VERY LAST TRACT. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to, but the streets were totally deserted. Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell. He rang the bell, but nobody answered. He rang it again and again, but still no one answered. He waited but still no answer.
Finally, this eleven year old trooper turned to leave, but something stopped him. Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch. He rang again and this time the door slowly opened.
Standing in the doorway was a very sad-looking elderly lady. She softly asked, "What can I do for you, son?" With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, "Ma'am, I'm sorry if I disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that *JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU* and I came to give you my very last Gospel Tract which will tell you all about JESUS and His great LOVE."
With that, he handed her his last tract and turned to leave. She called to him as he departed. "Thank you, son! And God Bless You!"
Well, the following Sunday morning in church Pastor Dad was in the pulpit. As the service began, he asked, "Does anybody have testimony or want to say anything?" Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly lady stood to her feet. As she began to speak, a look of glorious radiance came from her face, "No one in this church knows me. I've never been here before. You see, before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband passed on some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world. Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was even more so in my heart that I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live. So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof, then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around my neck. Standing on that chair, so lonely and brokenhearted I was about to leap off, when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, "I'll wait a minute, and whoever it is will go away."
I waited and waited, but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent, and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly. I thought to myself again, "Who on earth could this be? Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me." I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and louder.
When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes, for there on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life. His SMILE, oh, I could never describe it to you! The words that came from his mouth caused my heart that had long been dead, TO LEAP TO LIFE as he exclaimed with a cherub-like voice, " Ma'am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU." Then he gave me this Gospel Tract that I now hold in my hand.
As the little angel disappeared back out into the cold and rain, I closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel Tract. Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more. You see---I am now a Happy Child of the KING. Since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel Tract, I have come here to personally say THANK YOU to God's little angel who came just in the nick of time and by so doing, spared my soul from an eternity in hell."
There was not a dry eye in the church. And as shouts of praise and honor to THE KING resounded off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the little angel was seated. He took his son in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.
Probably no church has had a more glorious moment, and probably this universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love & honor for his son... Except for One. This Father also allowed His Son to go out into a cold and dark world. He received His Son back with joy unspeakable, and as all of heaven shouted praises and honor to The King, the Father sat His beloved Son on a throne far above all principality and power and every name that is named.
Heaven is for His people! JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU! Remember, God's message CAN make the difference in the life of someone close to you. So please share this wonderful message.
Friday, February 6, 2009
How to keep your man from cheating-II
Appreciation -when you show appreciation it is showing a feeling or expression of being grateful, it is valuing of something highly by giving recognition and liking of someone's qualities, it is giving a positive opinion or a favorable opinion of something.
They say that in order to keep your man from cheating, he has to be appreciated. When you appreciate a person, you give him respect and builds his confidence which is what a man wants to keep his self-esteem. But what if despite of a good home atmosphere and wife being appreciative, the husband would still cheat because he gets new admiration/appreciation from someone else and have an exciting sex? What do we do then? This all boils down to LOVE AND RESPECT.
I would still say that LOVE AND RESPECT are the most important thing to hold a relationship. When a man loves a woman and respects her highly, he will always appreciate her, whatever she does, whoever she is. This goes the same with a woman. Being appreciative is only a result of the love and respect being poured out to each other. But "appreciation" is also a word given out as one factor which caused the relationship to break down.
All successful relationships require a degree of love and respect for the parties involved. Add appreciation—the beginning of love—for each other and a lasting and close personal relationship may begin. But take away any of these essentials and the relationship will begin to wither. Take them all away and it will collapse.
They say that in order to keep your man from cheating, he has to be appreciated. When you appreciate a person, you give him respect and builds his confidence which is what a man wants to keep his self-esteem. But what if despite of a good home atmosphere and wife being appreciative, the husband would still cheat because he gets new admiration/appreciation from someone else and have an exciting sex? What do we do then? This all boils down to LOVE AND RESPECT.
I would still say that LOVE AND RESPECT are the most important thing to hold a relationship. When a man loves a woman and respects her highly, he will always appreciate her, whatever she does, whoever she is. This goes the same with a woman. Being appreciative is only a result of the love and respect being poured out to each other. But "appreciation" is also a word given out as one factor which caused the relationship to break down.
All successful relationships require a degree of love and respect for the parties involved. Add appreciation—the beginning of love—for each other and a lasting and close personal relationship may begin. But take away any of these essentials and the relationship will begin to wither. Take them all away and it will collapse.
How to keep your man from cheating
This is what i heard from the Oprah show when i opened the TV "have a date with your spouse once a week" to keep your man away from cheating!During that date, you should avoid talking (or not talk) about: Money, Business and Kids
So, what are we going to talk about? Here are some suggested topics which we can start on:
1. God - religion, God's blessings,thanksgiving,how to pray, christian values,word of God
2. Places/Vacation - where to go, what to see, what to do when you get there, where to stay,exploring, what food to eat,what is new
3. Movies/Music - what to watch, what is new, actors/actress/artist, what to listen
4. Food - where to dine, new restaurants, new recipes,favorite food, favorite
dessert, coffee shops, drinks
5. Gossip - talk about your neighbors, neighbors wife and husband, showbiz
personalities, workmates, classmates, friends
6. News - current events, politics, bad news, good news
7. Goals in life - what is it that you still want to achieve, what is it that you still want to do, how to achieve goals
8. Books - what book to read, what stories, lessons learned, author, the character, best description
9. Weekends - what to do on weekends, where to go, things to be done
10. S E X - i don't know what to say about this...
Isn't it like writing a slum book? Their tip there is, what do young couples talk about when they are still dating? Come on guys, it's getting harder, i need your help here. You have more in mind? Feel free to add more...
Something came up and i would like to add more:
11. Jokes - jokes from radio, jokes from tv, jokes from your neigbors, what tickled your bones during the day, the funniest thing that happened in your life
12. Embarrassing moments - what keeps on coming back to your thoughts and could not be forgotten
13. First impression - of the person you first met, of your husband, how he looked, moved and talked
There could be more...want to share?
So, what are we going to talk about? Here are some suggested topics which we can start on:
1. God - religion, God's blessings,thanksgiving,how to pray, christian values,word of God
2. Places/Vacation - where to go, what to see, what to do when you get there, where to stay,exploring, what food to eat,what is new
3. Movies/Music - what to watch, what is new, actors/actress/artist, what to listen
4. Food - where to dine, new restaurants, new recipes,favorite food, favorite
dessert, coffee shops, drinks
5. Gossip - talk about your neighbors, neighbors wife and husband, showbiz
personalities, workmates, classmates, friends
6. News - current events, politics, bad news, good news
7. Goals in life - what is it that you still want to achieve, what is it that you still want to do, how to achieve goals
8. Books - what book to read, what stories, lessons learned, author, the character, best description
9. Weekends - what to do on weekends, where to go, things to be done
10. S E X - i don't know what to say about this...
Isn't it like writing a slum book? Their tip there is, what do young couples talk about when they are still dating? Come on guys, it's getting harder, i need your help here. You have more in mind? Feel free to add more...
Something came up and i would like to add more:
11. Jokes - jokes from radio, jokes from tv, jokes from your neigbors, what tickled your bones during the day, the funniest thing that happened in your life
12. Embarrassing moments - what keeps on coming back to your thoughts and could not be forgotten
13. First impression - of the person you first met, of your husband, how he looked, moved and talked
There could be more...want to share?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Thanksgiving
Sirach 51: 1-12 A Song of Thanksgiving
I give you thanks, O Lord and King; I praise you as my God and Savior.
I give you thanks for you have helped me and protected me. You have rescued me from death, from dangerous lies and slander.
You helped me when no one else would; in your great mercy you saved me from the many troubles I have known; from the glaring hatred of my enemies, who wanted to put an end to my life; from suffocation in oppressive smoke, rising from fires that i did not light; from death itself; from vicious slander reported to the king.
I was once brought face-to-face with death; enemies surrounded me everywhere. I looked for someone to help me, but there was no one there.
But then, O Lord, I remembered how merciful you are and what you had done in times past. I remembered that you rescue those who rely on you, to rescue me from death.
I prayed, "O Lord, you are my father, do not abandon me to my troubles when I am helpless to my arrogant enemies. I will always praise you and sing hymns of thanksgiving."
You answered my prayer, and saved me from the threat of destruction. And so I thank you and praise you.
O Lord, I praise you!
This is a Thanksgiving prayer from the Book of Sirach which I want to share with everyone as an everyday prayer. It is a prayer thanking the Lord for what He has done for us, it is a prayer of praise to the Lord, a prayer recognizing our Lord, giving glory to Him who has always protected us and a prayer of faith that God will forever help us...
If anyone needs to pray and have trouble on calling on to the Lord, you may refer to this prayer and say it before you make your own intentions, it will surely help to direct you to the Lord!
I give you thanks, O Lord and King; I praise you as my God and Savior.
I give you thanks for you have helped me and protected me. You have rescued me from death, from dangerous lies and slander.
You helped me when no one else would; in your great mercy you saved me from the many troubles I have known; from the glaring hatred of my enemies, who wanted to put an end to my life; from suffocation in oppressive smoke, rising from fires that i did not light; from death itself; from vicious slander reported to the king.
I was once brought face-to-face with death; enemies surrounded me everywhere. I looked for someone to help me, but there was no one there.
But then, O Lord, I remembered how merciful you are and what you had done in times past. I remembered that you rescue those who rely on you, to rescue me from death.
I prayed, "O Lord, you are my father, do not abandon me to my troubles when I am helpless to my arrogant enemies. I will always praise you and sing hymns of thanksgiving."
You answered my prayer, and saved me from the threat of destruction. And so I thank you and praise you.
O Lord, I praise you!
This is a Thanksgiving prayer from the Book of Sirach which I want to share with everyone as an everyday prayer. It is a prayer thanking the Lord for what He has done for us, it is a prayer of praise to the Lord, a prayer recognizing our Lord, giving glory to Him who has always protected us and a prayer of faith that God will forever help us...
If anyone needs to pray and have trouble on calling on to the Lord, you may refer to this prayer and say it before you make your own intentions, it will surely help to direct you to the Lord!
Positive Attitude
Keys to a Positive Attitude:
1. Problem is a prerequisite to life's maturity
2. Avoid being with negative people and associate with positive associates: "he who has friends posseses riches"
-good circumstances with bad friends result in defeat,
bad circumstances with good friends result to victory-
3. Stop demanding your rights and asking for what you deserve.
-demanding sets you up for disappointments because "life is
not always fair"
4. Do not lost sight of where you are headed; do not forget your goal.
-faithfulness is certainly rewarded but not all here on
earth; when things do not seem to work for us remember
we are not yet "home"
5. Be confident of God's love!
1. Problem is a prerequisite to life's maturity
2. Avoid being with negative people and associate with positive associates: "he who has friends posseses riches"
-good circumstances with bad friends result in defeat,
bad circumstances with good friends result to victory-
3. Stop demanding your rights and asking for what you deserve.
-demanding sets you up for disappointments because "life is
not always fair"
4. Do not lost sight of where you are headed; do not forget your goal.
-faithfulness is certainly rewarded but not all here on
earth; when things do not seem to work for us remember
we are not yet "home"
5. Be confident of God's love!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Be thankful to friends
I am currently a stay at home mom, with my business already closed i don't have any income coming in to support my family. I have been employed for more than fifty percent of my earth life and it has now come to a point that i don't want to work under employment of anybody or any company anymore. However, i still need an income to raise my kids who are still in school and are not yet in the right age to get to work for themselves. Since i wanted to stay home most of the time now, i kept on searching and surfing the net for any possible jobs or any income generating thing that i could do at home. There are many opportunities for on-line business, freelance writer, etc..but it would be hard to start if you don't know how it works and how to get it done.
Fortunately, i have a friend who came home from the U.S. with her computer master husband who introduced me to blogging and patiently opened up and started me into this, how to generate income while at home using the computer at my own convenient time. Truly, God is wonderful! He knows the way for the things you need to do. I am very grateful to my friends, Entang and Stanley, who spent time in helping me out to start. This is my first write up and i dedicate it to them...kudos to my dear friends!
Fortunately, i have a friend who came home from the U.S. with her computer master husband who introduced me to blogging and patiently opened up and started me into this, how to generate income while at home using the computer at my own convenient time. Truly, God is wonderful! He knows the way for the things you need to do. I am very grateful to my friends, Entang and Stanley, who spent time in helping me out to start. This is my first write up and i dedicate it to them...kudos to my dear friends!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
A thankful Life
Life is a wonderful thing and we have to be thankful for everything about it. A thankful person develops a positive attitude and a positive attitude does not accept any doubt in life! Being obedient is one prerequisite for good attitude and a good attitude produces a positive atmosphere. Let us have an attitude that is Christ-like, let us be thankful and submit ourselves to God and everything else will follow...let us have a lifestyle of thanksgiving!
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