The story of a blind girl

There was a blind girl who hated herself just because she was blind.

She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend.

He was always there for her.

She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend.

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything, including her boyfriend.

Her boyfriend asked her, “now that you can see the world, will you marry me?”

The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend was blind too, and refused to marry him.

Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her saying:

“Just take care of my eyes dear.”

This is how human brain changes when the status changed.

Only few remember what life was before, and who’s always been there even in the most painful situations.


Life Is A Gift

Today before you think of saying an unkind word–
think of someone who can’t speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food–
think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife–
think of someone who is crying out to God for a companion.

Today before you complain about life–
think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children–
think of someone who desires children but they’re barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn’t clean or sweep–
think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive–
think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job–
think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another–
remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down–
put a smile on your face and thank God you’re alive and still around.

The Suitcase

A man died, when he realized it, he saw God coming closer with a suitcase in his hand.

- God said: Alright son its time to go.

- surprised the man responded: Now? So soon? I had a lot of plans...

- I'm sorry but its time to go.

- What do you have in that suitcase? the man asked.

- God answered: Your belongings.

- My belongings? you mean my things, my clothes, my money?

- God answered: Those things were not yours they belonged to the earth.

- Is it my memories? the man asked.

- God answered: those never belonged to you they belonged to Time

- Is it my talents?

-God answered: those were never yours they belonged to the circumstances.

- Is it my friends and family?

- God answered: I'm sorry they were never yours they belonged to the path.

- Is it my wife and son?

- God answered: They were never yours the belonged to your heart.

- Is it my body?

- God answered: that was never yours it belonged to the dust.

-Is it my soul?

God answered: No that is mine.

Full of fear, the man took the suitcase from god and opened it just to find out the suitcase was empty.

- With a tear coming down his cheek the man said: I never had anything???

- God answered: that is correct, every moment you lived were only yours. Life is just a moment. a moment that belongs to you. For this reason enjoy this time while you have it. Don't let anything that you think you own stop you from doing so.

- Live Now

- Live your life

- Don't forget to be happy, that is the only thing that matters.

- Material things and everything else that you fought for stay here.

- YOU CAN'T TAKE ANYTHING

Share this reflection with anyone you love or appreciate. Enjoy every second you live.

Nine months later

Coffee Savings

 

 http://ph.she.yahoo.com/coffee-101--how-to-enjoy-great-savings-in-a-cup-133921836.html

Talk 2: Get rid of idolatry (The Feast @PICC, Sunday July 14, 2013)

Full Tank Series (The Feast, Sunday July 14, 2013)

Talk 2: Get rid of idolatry

Deuteronomy 27:15

When you seek from another person something that only God can give

What is that something? All the things that makes us complete

2 types of Paradigm

1) Performance paradigm -

the way you relate to other people is the way you treat yourself
people with this paradigm postponed their happiness or trust or love.. they will wait until they reach something before they start loving themselves

ORIGIN: idolatry..i.e.looking for something from another person..like i will love you only if...

there is no such thing as earn my love or earn my trust..it has to be given away unconditionally

performance paradigm entails shaming

ex. a boy who picks up a choco bar in a store and then tantrums starts when his mom did not buy for him..what happens next is if his mom adopts a performance paradigm she will be conscious and then be ashamed of her son..then outburt follows..mom would get mad with her son..because her happiness or selfworth comes from her child or another person..i will love you only if???

the best discipline is to allow the person to face the consequences of his action

you have to stop idolatry in your heart and start connecting with God

only when you have peace in your heart

2) Prodigal paradigm

prodigal is reckless extravagance

reckless extravagance in love (the parable of the prodigal son?.. after his son returns from his prodigal lifestyle..to show his love for his son he celebrates a feast in extravagance)

the prodigal paradigm do not speak but listens - empathy

the best example is when a child has a failing grade and shows it to her parents..his parents would sit down with them and asks...my son how can i help you? is there something that worries you?..what happens next..the son would corrects himself (self correct)

the opposite - performance paradigm..a parent would shamed their son saying things that would hurt his feelings..eventually the son would rebel more to his parents..

whatever you do it will affect the people around you

and there is only one thing that can change a heart - an UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

Love letter from an accountant

Jay a graduate of Accounting, wrote a letter to his Girl Friend Char

Love letter from an Accountant

In the Journal of my heart,

I have written a Journal Entry,

Debiting my love & crediting my affection,

Now partners,

I write this Narration

Your beauty is the Capital of our business,

And your eyes are Stock In Trade,

Now let us enter into a Transaction,

Without providing Depreciation

Your first love I have already indicated On the Ledger Folio column,

Any way, our relations are based on Double Entry System

Our love is Real & Tangible proposals, Which can be realized,

Interest on the same, Can be capitalized

Partner, you are like a Contra Entry,

You are on my Debit Side & Credit Side, Both at the same time,

And so my partner now ,let us Rectify,

All our errors & total the Trial Balance, Of our affairs & emotions,

Without maintaining any Suspense Account

And any difference in the Trial Balance,

And In the Balance Sheet of our life.

Our children will be Assets & Liabilities,

If they are boys, shall we call them Sundry Debtors?

If they are girls, shall we call them Sundry Creditors

But if we have a boy & a girl,

Our Balance Sheet will Tally automatically,

A balance Sheet

And the Auditor will certify thus

"THE ACCOUNT SHOWS A TRUE & FAIR VIEW OF LOVELY BUSINESS CONDUCTED DURING Smith & Linda’s life Account"

Your dying Accountant in love

Ride the waves

You are God-look-a-like

Believe in yourself

The 5 Keys to Coping with Stress

By Jessica Cohen | June 1st, 2013 at 8:23 am   


Yesterday the folks at Queendom.com released results of a study showing how happy people handle stressful situations.  How do people who are genuinely happy cope with stressful times?

Okay, so you might be rolling your eyes right now, but bear with me.  This, my friends, is fascinating.

Here’s why.  Managing stress is not only important for our emotional health but it is vital for our physical health as well.  During times of stress, any (or all) of the following may occur: increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, changes in breathing patterns, tense muscles, disrupted sleep patterns,  weakened digestive system, and lower immune system resistance.   The effects of stress can takes a serious toll on one’s health, so understanding resiliency and coping techniques might enable us to keep people not only happier, but physically healthier too.

So, why do happier people show more resilience in stressful times while others have more difficulty?  The Queendom.com study looked at 1,434 people who are very happy with their life and found five common factors in coping with stress:


Techniques for Coping with Stress

Here are the five ways that happy people cope with stressful situations. Which one of these do you use?


Problem-Solving Technique
Happy people take active steps to discover the underlying cause of stress and find ways to either solve or improve their situation. They approach stress in a more systematic, practical way. (before sleeping, i tend to organize my thoughts and contemplate..i prioritize which should be tackled first..which is the most important..clear out your mind from any NEGATIVE thinking..always stay positive)


Positive Recognitive Structuring Technique

Happy people can look at a problem or source of stress from a different, more empowering angle.  They find a silver lining to the issue or change the way they think about it. (the positive attitude, the positive thinking..trigger happy techniques - think of happy moments in the past that made you smile or happy or laugh..but stay positive and everything will be fine..eat your favorite food..food is the fastest way for your comfort)


Negotiation Technique

By compromising and negotiating, happy people can lessen their own aggravation levels.  They are able to adjust their attitude or outlook in order to adapt to a stressful situation. (everything happens for a reason..i always mention the phrase "In Jesus name" or "Jesus save me" when I'm in a difficult situation and it never fails..compromise on issues but never compromise your principles..do what is right even if others were not looking)


Emotional Regulation Technique

Happy people recognize the need to calm themselves down before tackling a stressful situation.  They look for a way to release  excess energy in order to see the situation from a less emotional and more rational perspective. (I do confessional writing to calm myself - like talking to God by writing a letter e.g. Dear Father in heaven and then pouring out all what's inside in your mind.. Drinking teas and avoiding too much caffeine..less sugar also..eat healthy like buying assorted sliced fruits at the supermarket)


Distraction Technique

Along the lines of emotional regulation, some happy people distract themselves by socializing and enjoying themselves.  This allows them to take their mind off of their stressful situation until they are emotionally ready to find a solution. (do the things that you really like (or love) such as watching a movie, eating your favorite comfort food, going out with your friends, play with your pets..remember always be happy..its your choice..and the universe will send you more happiness)

(source: http://www.babble.com/body-mind/the-5-keys-to-coping-with-stress/#next-slideshow)

Top 10 photo fads of Filipinos

according to ANG PINAKA here is the top 10 famous photo fads
10. forced perspective - landmark

09. duck face - make sure you look good

08. jump shot - watch out for belly

07. look up - group shot

06. emo - looking down view

05. ootd - outlook of the day

04. food porn

03. throwback thursday - #tbt posting old pics beside your new photo

02. mirror shot

01. selfie

Respect

Full Tank, The Joy of Grace-Filled Relationships, Talk 101: Undo Curses

Today's talk at The Feast:
Empty love tank makes you
1. needy person
2. angry person

Relationship or rulership?

C-control
U-unforgiving
R-reactive
S-shaming
E-ego-driven

Control
Relationship is about trust..there is weak trust if there is a lot of control..coming from an empty love tank

Unforgiving
Ephesians 4:32
You cannot forget the things of the past

Reactive
Love is not provoked..
You have to let the person control himself
Shouting only works if there is fire
RULE: only shout in the house when there is fire

Shaming
Instead of correcting a behavior one would say there is something wrong with you..like baket di mo magaya ang kapatid mo? there is an intention to shame someone

Ego-driven
selfish

You cannot dominate another God-look-a-like person

we try to fix others because we've bought into a blatant lie that the other person's performance will solve our deepest needs

give up trying to fix the other person, your job is to LOVE them UNCONDITIONALLY

I like your thinking

A teacher asks her class, "If there are five birds sitting on a fence and you shoot one of them, how many will be left?" 

She calls on little Johnny.

"None, they all fly away with the first gunshot."

The teacher replies, "The correct answer is four, but I like your thinking." 

Then Little Johnny says, "I have a question for YOU. There are three women sitting on a bench having ice cream. One is delicately licking the sides of the triple scoop of ice cream. The second is gobbling down the top and sucking the cone. The third is biting off the top of the ice cream. Which one is married?"

The teacher, blushing a great deal, replies, "Well I suppose the one that's gobbled down the top and sucked the cone."

"The correct answer is the one with the wedding ring on... but I like your thinking."

The paradox of our time

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.

These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet to kill.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships.

These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition. We write more, but learn less; we plan more, but accomplish less.

We've learned to rush, but not to wait; we have higher incomes, but lower morals; we have more food, but less appeasement; we build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication; we've become long on quantity, but short on quality.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul; we've split the atom, but not our prejudice.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor. We've conquered outer space, but not inner space; we've done larger things, but not better things.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

It is a time when there is much in the show room and nothing in the stockroom; a time when technology has brought this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to make a difference, or to just hit delete.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember to say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember to say "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it!!

A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment, for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind."

~Dr. Bob Moorehead