nice to be here!!!

just dropping by..migosh..its been soooooo long since my last post..nwy am still alive..will be back..soooon!!

Generosity is all about Sharing with Love

This post is worth sharing. It's from one of my favorite authors, Bo Sanchez. He may be known as someone " spiritual" or "holy" which is oftentimes attributed to being "corny." But well, guess that's just how the world's standards are. On the contrary, he's more of practical spirituality, that is, showing God in simple and practical ways. And I'm proud to say that he's one of my constant inspirations. And yes, he has always been an instrument of God's love and presence. So here's one of this truly inspiring articles. And it's truly, really worth reading. Read on....

Have You Received The Rewards Of Your Giving?

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon playing with my boys.

We drew spaceships, airplanes, and roller coasters. We played a video game. (Can you imagine me, a 43-year old guy, playing with his 4-year old kid, Mariocart? I’m nuts.) And finally, I brought Francis to the barbershop. We didn’t have a car yesterday, so we rode the tricycle together. Francis loved it so much. Every time we passed over a hump, he raised his arms and said, “Wheee!”

When we were in the barbershop, Francis had so much fun getting his haircut, making faces on the mirror, twirling on the barber’s chair, laughing and singing the entire time. He was so happy.

But guess who was happier? The Daddy, of course.

Yesterday, I was generous with my time with the kids. Despite a mountain of work that I had to do (including this article), I put it all aside and spent time with the boys.

Instantly, I receive the reward of my generosity. Just listening to the happy laughter of my kids was music to my soul. It made me feel wonderful. It removed my stress, made me healthier, and refreshed my spirit.

Friends, there is an absolute law written in the fabric of universe. It states, “When you give, you will receive a reward.” Always. No exceptions. Oh yes, there can be delays. Sometimes you’ll have to wait for a long time. But the reward will always come.

And the Bible also says that we will receive more than what we give. Example: In the years to come, I know I’ll receive an even greater reward for spending time with my kids yesterday. Because they’ll grow up to be men secure in their father’s love.

It doesn’t end there. In Heaven, I’ll receive even greater rewards. (More on this next week.)

Let me explain why you get rewards.

Too Full To Receive Anything Better

In my talk yesterday, I showed people a big fishbowl filled with grey stones. It was overflowing with them. I then showed some gold nuggets. (Okay, they really weren’t gold nuggets. They were stones covered with gold paper, but don’t spoil my illustration. Imagine them to be really gold nuggets!)

Even if I wanted to put gold nuggets in the bowl, I couldn’t, because it was already filled with stones.

This is a perfect picture of a selfish person.

God is a generous God. He wants to give us better things. But He can’t do that if there’s no space to receive new and better things in our lives.

I then removed one stone from the bowl. I explained to the audience that the first reward of giving is “space”. And space is beautiful. Space means we can grow.

I placed one gold nugget in the bowl, and explained, “Some people give only a little and so receive only a little. But there are people who give more,” I explained, removing more grey stones from the bowl, “and thus create more space for God’s new blessings.” I quickly filled the bowl with more gold nuggets.

Remember, when we don’t receive much, the problem is not in the Giver. The problem is in the Receiver. The Lord wants to give more to our lives (that’s His default posture), but the Receiver has not created enough space to receive more.

And friends, the universe abhors space. The universe will fill up that space with better things.

But what if you don’t get your rewards?

Real Generosity

One person asked me, “But Bo, I’ve been giving and giving and giving all my life—but I haven’t been receiving my rewards!”

Perhaps because it may not be generosity at all.

You see, there are two types of giving that happens in the world.

1. When we give because we love

2. When we give because we want to be loved

Look. There’s nothing wrong if you want to be loved. It’s your most basic need. But friends, never use generosity as a way of getting love. That’s toxic. You call that co-dependent love and it’s lethal. Pleasing people so that they will love you is slow suicide.

If your “Love Tank” is empty, you need to do two things. First, ask God to love you. And second, love yourself. Unless you learn to be generous to yourself, your generosity will not be real.

My friend Mila (not her real name) was such a woman. She always gave gifts to her friends. Food. Clothes. Flowers. Sometimes, expensive stuff like cellphones and Ipods. People would tell her, “Oh, you’re so generous.” But deep within, I know Mila is one of the most miserable people on earth. She’s constantly depressed. Because she has no true friends. Her friends are there simply because she gives them stuff. People abuse her constantly, asking things from her.

Mila isn’t receiving the rewards of her generosity because she’s not really generous. She is needy.

When you give out of need, you will become even more needy. But if you give out of love, you will receive more love.

Remember the bowl with grey stones? Mila gives away her white stones—creating space in her heart. But because she’s giving out of need and fear and not out of love, misery and bitterness fill up that space she created.

I repeat: Real generosity is giving out of love, which fills our lives with more love.

And let me share with you the biggest reward of generosity.



The Greatest Reward Of Giving

My friend and fellow preacher Arun Gogna just came from Japan. He met a Filipina there who told him a wonderful story.

Years ago, this Filipina married a Japanese man. Her husband was earning very well and asked her to manage his money. So every payday, he gave all of his money to her.

This Filipina loved God and wanted to follow Him in the area of giving. So she gave 10% of her husband’s earnings to the Lord. When the husband—who was an atheist—found out about it, he asked her, “What are you doing with 10% of my salary?” She said, “I give it to my God.” The amazing thing was that he didn’t object at all. He let her be. So she continued to do it every single month.

Here’s the great news: A few years later, this man converted and is now a baptized Catholic. Today, with his wife, he serves in a ministry in a Church in Japan.

What’s so beautiful about this story? Even before he got baptized, he was already generous to a God whom he didn’t fully know.

My point?

Generosity brings you closer to God.

Let me tell you why.

Your Heart Follows Your Treasure

Last year, I bought stocks in Ayala Land.

I noticed that whenever I read the newspaper, I would be very interested to read anything about Ayala Land. I would read their Ads. I would ask people in the industry about what’s happening to this company.

Before I bought stocks in this company, I didn’t give a hoot. I didn’t care. I didn’t read their articles or their ads.

Why the change? Simple: The Bible says that my heart follows my treasure.[1] Wherever my treasure goes, my heart will go there too.

When your money goes to God, your heart goes to Him as well. Yes, even if He really doesn’t need your money.

Tithing Is A Declaration Of

God’s Importance In Your Life



God doesn’t need your money.

But why is it that the Bible says over and over again, “Give the first fruits of your harvest to God”?[2] Yes, God doesn’t need your money, but God wants what your money represents. Money represents value. What do you value the most? When you make God your first expense, you’re saying that God is first in your life.

Tithing is a declaration that all things—including your life—belong to God. The Biblical standard of 10% is a fantastic guideline to follow. When you give 10%, you’re saying that 100% belongs to God. Tithing is your declaration of God’s ownership over your life. God gave all that you own. When you die, you’ll give it all back. So all you have is lent to you. You’re a steward of His assets. As stewards, you use material blessings for His purposes. That’s what you declare when you tithe.

Friends, I invite you to give because you love.

And receive the fantastic rewards of generosity.

May your dreams come true,

Bo Sanchez

Questions that sustain your leadership

Got this from Inq7.net. I'm quite busy as of now so I'll just post it here at this moment. Will just be reading it later.


“JUDGE A person by their questions, rather than their answers.” – Voltaire

The willingness to ask questions coupled with the discipline to seek out answers separates leaders from followers. Influencers question assumptions, inquire about the environment around them and probe into the future. They have an insatiable appetite to learn and they convert their knowledge to action at light speed.

Value of questions

While leaders constantly investigate their surroundings, the most important questions they ask are the ones they pose to themselves. By routinely questioning their goals, motives and purpose, leaders renew their self-identity along with their sense of perspective. Consider the following benefits of examining yourself as a leader.

1) Quality questions create a quality life.

You only get answers to the questions you ask. If you won’t dare to wrestle with the tough dilemmas in life, then you’ll live small.

2) Focused questions stimulates creative thinking.

A well-considered question penetrates to the heart of the matter and triggers new ideas and insights.

3) Honest questions lead to solid convictions.

Inquisitiveness clarifies morals and beliefs. Values are shaped when you force yourself to be truthful in answering tough questions about where you stand on key issues.

4) Correct questions help us find ourselves and our mission.

Tackling life’s biggest questions brings direction and meaning to life’s journey. Bob Buford captures this thought in his book, The Second Half.

What is your passion? What have you achieved? What have you done uncommonly well? How are you wired? Where do you belong? What are the ‘shoulds’ that have trailed you during the first half? These and other questions like them will direct you toward the self your heart longs for; they will help you discover the task for which you were especially made. Throughout your years in leadership, if you know the right questions then you will ultimately gain the right answers.

Questions I ask myself as a leader:


1) Am I investing in myself?

This question probes your commitment to personal growth. An empty glass won’t refresh anyone. Before you can influence others, you need to contain something worth offering to others.

Don’t be content to stockpile knowledge. Once you’ve ascertained a new insight or developed a skill, pass on what you’ve discovered. A learner builds reservoir of learning, whereas a leader becomes a river of learning for others.

2) Am I genuinely interested in others?

This question delves into motives. As J.P. Morgan cynically observed, “A man always has two reasons for doing anything – a good reason and the real reason.” Since leaders are inclined to figure out situations before anyone else, they have capacity to take advantage of others.

For this reason, it’s essential to regularly question your motives. There’s a fine line between manipulation and motivation. The former moves people for personal benefit, while the latter moves people for mutual gain.

3) Am I doing what I love and loving what I do?

This question determines passion. You will never find your passion doing work you despise. If you go to work only to fulfill processes and functions then you’re in jeopardy of losing your humanity and turning into a machine.

“Find your passion and follow it,” is all the career advice you’ll ever need. Passion gives you the edge by endowing you with more energy than others have.

4) Am I taking others to a higher level?

This question has to do with mission. Regardless of your industry, as a leader, you’re in the people development business. Fulfilling your mission depends upon lifting the performance of those you lead.

As Zig Ziglar says, “You can get everything in life that you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” By adding value to those you lead, you’re investing in men and women with the potential to multiply your influence exponentially.

5) Am I taking care of today?

How you treat today speaks volumes about your likelihood of success.

In fact, if I spent one day observing your priorities, behaviors, and interactions with people, then, with about 90 percent accuracy, I could let you know your leadership potential. Why would I be so certain in my judgment? Because I’ve learned that the secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda.

Conclusion

The great artist, Pablo Picasso, once remarked, “Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.”

I tend to agree, and I think Picasso’s observation carries truth for leaders as well. Regardless of your technical skill or relational charm, you’ll be inhibited as a leader until you learn the art of asking questions. Knowing how has merit, but influencers will always be the men and women who understand why.

Joke, joke, joke!!

I was hilariously laughing with these jokes..its a blessing becoz it helped me to start my day with a good laugh. So I thought of sharing it. Here it goes..

DO YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS ?

1. Use BE COOL and I'LL BUY in a sentence.
...The tourist went to Mayon volcano in I'LL BUY, BE COOL.
2. Use SCHOOLING in a sentence.
...(phone rings).....Hello? Who SCHOOLING?
3. Use AFFECT in a sentence.
...Maria is wearing AFFECT diamond ring.
4. Use ADIEU in a sentence.
...If you are ADIEU, the Arabs will kill you.
5. Use DECANTER in a sentence.
...You can order that medicine over DECANTER.
6. Use DELETION in a sentence.
...The balat of DELETION is crispy.
7. Use DESPISE in a sentence.
...Who baked all DESPISE?
8. Use DIFFERENT and DIFFERENTIAL in a sentence.
...I am looking for DIFFERENT of this boy to get DIFFERENTIAL
consent so he can go to the picnic.

AND NOW FOR THE FILIPINOS WHO CAN READ AND
UNDERSTAND TAGALOG:

9. Use BORROW in a sentence.
...Ang dumi naman ng BORROW mo.
10. Use CAESAREAN in a sentence.
...Lintek, anak, mag-ingat ka, CAESAREAN mo iyang laruan mo.
11. Use CONTEMPLATE in a sentence.
...Pare, ang dami-daming pagkain, pero, ko-CONTEMPLATE.
12. Use ARTESIA in a sentence (if you don't know what this is, it's a
city [or street] at the L.A. COUNTY in CALIFORNIA)
...Nako naman, ang ganda-ganda nang bebot na yun, pero,
ma-ARTESIA.
13. Use CADET in a sentence.
...CADET ko si Maria nung isang gabi. Ngayon, ikaw naman ang
CADET niya.
14. Use CARDIAC in a sentence.
...Na CARDIAC yung kotse ni Pedro noong isang gabi.
15. Use CENTURION in a sentence.
...Na-CENTURION si Pedro ng tatay niya dahil sa kalokohan niya.
16. Use DEDICATE in a sentence.
...Pag ginamitan ng glue, siguradong DEDICATE iyan.
17. Use DELICACY in a sentence.
...Bagal mo... DELICACY mahuhuli na tayo.
18. Use DEPRECIATE in a sentence.
...Sister, DEPRECIATE already, kaya pwede na tayong kumain.
19. Use DIFFUSION in a sentence.
...Brownout...siguradong DIFFUSION pumutok.
20. Use LAITY in a sentence.
...Taga "laity" si Imelda Marcos.
21. Use MENTION in a sentence.
...Ang laki ng bahay nila, parang MENTION.
22. Use ebonic word MOTHA' FUCKA' in a sentece.
...Iho mag-ingat, ka baka MOTHA' FUCKA'

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST:

23. Use SECOND THOUGHT in a sentence.
...Hindi pa bumibili ng bagong kotse ang mag-asawang si Pedro
at Maria dahil magse-SECOND THOUGHT pa daw sila.

TEACHER

There was this Filipino kindergarten teacher and she was teaching
her class how to do the hokey-pokey. She started off by saying,
"You put your right feet in, you put your right feet out, you put
your right feet in...." Suddenly one of the children said, "Teacher
you have to say 'foot.'" So the teacher said, "You 'foot' your right
feet in, you 'foot' your right feet out....."

WITH AN 'R'

First day ng klase.
Siyempre, magpapakilala muna si titser.
mukhang strikto, terror ala Miss Tapia.
Sinulat niya ang pangalan niya sa blackboard.
'Miss Pruke.'
Pigil ang hagikgik ng mga estudyante.
baka mapagalitan sila.
"My name is Miss Pruke. Don't forget.
With an R, with an R, with an R." stress ni
titser. "Bukas bago magsimula ang klase,
kapag meron akong tinawag, dapat alam niyong
banggitin ang pangalan ko ng tama."
Paglabas ng mga estudyante ng klassroom,
Inulit-ulit nila sa kanilang isip, "with an R,
with an R, with an R."
Kinabukasan, preparado ang lahat sa pagtawag
ng titser maliban kay Juan. Wala namang
ginagawa si Juan sa klase kundi mag-daydream.
kaya siya ang napansin ng titser. "Juan!"
Sigaw ni titser. gulat na tumayo si Juan.
"Yes ma'am?"
"Ano ang pangalan ko?"
Namamawis sa kaba si Juan. nakalimutan niya
ang pangalan ng titser.
Sabay sabay ang buong klase sa pagbigay sa
kanya ng clue. "With an R, with an R, with an R"
"Ah!" biglang naisip ni Juan, "Natatandaan ko na
ang pangalan niyo."
"Ano?" tanong ni titser.
"Miss Prekprek."

More to come!!

A Glimpse of the Past

I've been a web writer right after I graduated. To be honest, I find it both boring and challenging at the same time. It's challenging because I’m writing about something I’m not familiar with and is not even in my interests (its all about cars) though am dreaming to have one of my own someday. It ‘s rather boring at the same time because we have to make contents of the same topic, over and over, and almost to the nth time. Good thing there were changes as the company grew. It sort of "spiced things up" and added a twist to the boring routine that we do. People come and go as years passed. I established bonds with my fellow SEO people, became friends with many and enemies with a few(lolz!). The moments we shared together were truly worth cherishing and it indeed eased up the hassle and bustle of work. But unfortunately, or rather fortunately (or let's say both fortunately and unfortunately, we got separated from the company in a "not-so'good" way.

On the night of "The Purge" - The Last Suffer

A Curse Turned Blessing

Yet, I know that it's actually part of the thrill and reality of living. Some things are not within our control, or others just pop out of nowhere but of course, I believe we always have control on how we react to those unexpected moments. Thanks to Bro. Bo for his daily dose of inspirations as well as for the seeds of faith passed over to me by my beloved parents. I believe that was of great help for me to cope up with what happened, fast and easy. And in spite of what happened, real friends lived on. And I’m glad we’re still crossing paths from time to time no matter how busy we are.

As for me, what happened was more of a blessing in disguise. At times the great things we hold dear to us are taken away from us because He wants to give us something better and greater. For a year, I had no permanent "earthly" job to boast off. I had no income as constant and as “more than enough” salary I had from my job, along with the sidelines(lolz), but that’s when I realized that happiness, peace and contentment can’t indeed be bought and paid with money. Though of course, money is an important commodity and it affects every aspect of our life but still, it’s not the MOST important priority so to say.

The vacant days and months I had gave me time to see what really are important and essential in life. I had great time with my family – cooking for them, doing chores at home (which I wasn’t able to do that much because I wasn’t able to spend much time at home), watching tv and movies with them, eating meals with them, chatting with them – these are just but simple moments but it gives me a feeling of peace and contentment. Indeed, searching for happiness is not something so complex, at times it’s just in the ordinary and simple, that we fail to see it. In fact, it’s just right in front of us, like our family and friends.

I also had a grrreaaater time serving my community, my fellow youth to be specific (ehem.. youth refers to people aged 15 and up, and I’m still included in that bracket..lolz). That was actually, what I have been asking for. I want to serve and be of service, and He did show me how. I realized that the more people I serve and share myself with, the more I grow and the more I enjoy being human and fully alive. It’s nice to meet and be with people with views and personalities different from you.

To Make a BIG Difference, Start with the Small and Simple

I want and I always want to make a difference, and I guess each one of us also aspires to do such. It’s a calling for each and one of us since we have different roles to perform and different missions to accomplish. We have our own fields and core gifts waiting to be discovered, honed and maximized, not just for our own glory but to fill out the role that’s really meant for us. And the challenge for us is to stand out and be the best that we can be in our own niche. We are given with unique sets of core gifts and how we make use of those is our best gift to our Giver. Core gifts are talents and skills that are inherent in us, that which you have edge over others. It’s something that propels you to do something with passion. It’s that thing that defines you. You can know your gifts through that something which you really like to do, and you’re really happy doing it. Mine is singing, writing, speaking and a little bit of dancing. But I’d rather sing.

Yet way back, I thought making a difference mean doing something BIG and not so ordinary. Yet I realized that giving your best even in the simple and small things that you do and in a way that only you can do is enough to make a big difference. You can start by being the best daughter or son, the best sister, friend or buddy in your own simple ways. You may think it wouldn’t matter much but they say its the simple things in life that greatly matters. And it’s actually in sharing yourself, in doing something simple and ordinary in the best way you can, that you can truly be happy, at peace and contented.

Been Tagged!

Am still waiting for the time to clock in, so meanwhile let me just take my time to answer these mind-boggling questions..lolz..This if from lyn.

A. Attached or single? Single..by choice
B. Best friend? UP THERE
C. Cake or pie? PIE
D. Day of choice? Sunday
E. Essential item? Money..haha
F. Favorite color? Purple
G. Gummy bears or worms? Gummy bears
H. Hometown? Bigaa Legazpi City!!
I. Favorite indulgence? reading and reading!!
J. January or July? January
K. Kids? Nah yet
L. Life isn’t complete without? W/out God, family, freinds
M. Marriage date? someday perhaps..haha..
N. Number of magazine subscriptions? None
O. Oranges or apples? Oranges. Need vit c..
P. Phobias? Not actually phobia, moderate fear only-raattts!!
Q. Quotes? Sow what you want to reap!
R. Reasons to smile? Knowing that I'm LOVED unconditionally!!
S. Season of choice? Christmas season! Haha..tama ba?
T. Tag 5 people. I'm tagging Yona, talie, Peach, Yeng, Nayz
U. Unknown fact about me? Hmm..better be left unsaid..haha..
V. Vegetable? anything green
W. Worst habit? Im a certified procastinator..and I hate it!
X. X-ray or ultrasound? hmm..ultrasound
Y. Your favorite foods? pizza,vegetable salad,kahit ano basta nakakain..hehe..
Z. Zodiac sign? Scorpio

Here I am again!

It really feels nice to be back again! My blog has been dosing off to sleep for..a year I guess. Well I've really been busy for the past months, though its not really tooo busy. It's just that, this blog has been out of my priorities. Brutally honest, but that's actually the real reason. And as of now, yes, there are lots of stuff in my mind that I want to write off.

And one of those is the new boss that I have now. Not actually a boss, just a superior whom I'm taking orders from. Anyway, its still called a boss. He's the type who doesn't know what he do not want! Confusing? Actually am also confused..harhar. It's like, the boss, wants the "me" to do "that thing" in "that way." So the "me" tried the best she can to come up with "that thing" in "that way". But when she's finally done, and excitedly shown it to the boss, he says that's not what he wants. So, the "me" reasoned out, but "that thing" is the same as "that way". "I followed the basic rules, the accepted standards, the specified procedures." But the boss firmly replied. "That's not what I want." So the "me" tried all the means she know for "that thing" to be "that way" but still to no avail.

Right then, the "me" asked her friends and colleagues, who are then experts on "that thing". And they said its actually ok, and in fact good. So she told their feedback to the Boss, but he simply said. "No, I'm the Boss, and its not the same." Aaaargggh! What does he want then. It seems he's sending out the message: find out what "I" do not want. I couldn't find it out myself either. Whew..I'm getting tired of this boss. Actually, I don't want to waste my time and be of service to someone who doesn't know what he really wants and what he do not want but well, this is part of "the path". And I need to be here be on "where I want to be."

Anyway, I'll take it then as a challenge. To find out, "what He do not want, and eventually find out what he wants. That is, to make "that thing in that "that way." This is just but an "alley" that I have to pass through to be "where I want to be."

My heart's desire..

Here's what my heart utter in one of my "moments"...

Oh my Father and Lord
You know how weak my heart is
How easily I get distracted
How easily I get lost
My weak and faltering self
Easily succumbs to temptations
To the wordly pleasure and happiness
That lasts for nothing but a short time
And later on bring pain and tears

But, deep down Oh Lord and my Father
Is the desire to love you
To live for you alone
To follow your will
The path that you have prepared for me
But, weak and limited as I am
I go astray, absorbed in my own selfish desires

Oh my Father and Lord
Strengthen me, mold me
Shatter my resistance
With your strong yet gentle hands
Draw me out of my selfish self
Drown out the anger, pride and selfishness in me
In your ever flowing love and compassion

Oh my Father and Lord
I’m weak, yes I really am
I need you
I truly need you
I want to be like You
Be with me
Oh my Father and Lord
Be with me
In life and death
In darkness and in light
Oh my Father and Lord

oh well..here I am again! I did missed blogging, kaso parang di na'ko marunong magsulat..hehe..nwy, just dropping by..mizn my workmates..=(

Just When...

Just when..

I'm getting to know who I really am..

I'm opening up, showing up my true self,removing my masks..

I learned how to laugh out loud, again..partly because of the contagious boisterough laughter of peachy, yona and talie..

There are people who accepted me for who I am like Yona, Talie and Dex..

I'm tightening the bonds with the people around me, my felloe MBS people, especially with my sleepmates - Olops, Francis, Lyn, Mech, Peach

I found the buddies who made me laugh and cry by heart..

I shed tears for losing some special people in my life but still there are real friends who showed that there are still hundred reasons to smile and be happy..

I found those people to whom I can freely open up..

There is a shoulder I could cry on, hands to wipe away my tears..

I appreaciate the company of the people around me..

Just when I realized that its possible to have "real friendship", that friendship can truly exist..


That's then the time that we have to part ways. And sadly, it was all too abrupt, too shocking..


Goodbye guys..


I'll never forget:


our daily meryenda at the pantry..

The tusok-tusok ni kuya na ate, ate na barbers - calamares, tokneneng, chicken pop, beef, isaw, bopis

The shawarma ni kuya..

The french fries ni tiya..

The baduya, turon, banana-q, kamote-q ni tiya na may kiray ang kuko..

The daily lunch ni ate na kuya and kuya na bagong-rahay.

Peachy, yona and talie's kalaka..

Our cool, generous, understanding and kind-hearted Sir Dex..

Yona's ever-ready concern, openness, understanding and smartness..

Everyone's blogs, articles and posts

The pressure of editing, of beating the deadlines..

The backlogs

The Secret Ingredients..

Dex, Yona, Talie, Olops, Francis, Lyn, Mech, Peachy, Iris, Tin, Chayee, Ate Razh, Jirl, Yna, Ate Kla, Nayz, Ate Carol, Ruth..and all of you guys!!


Life is indeed a series of let go's, and let God's..

I'll truly, madly, deeply miiiizzz u guys!!! Love u all!!

Godbless us!!!

Experience as the Best Teacher

Experience, they say is the best teacher, but( yes, there's owez the “but"), it is oftentimes a harsh teacher? Why? Because most of the time, we have to go through pains and tears for the lessons to set in. In a classroom setting, we’re given the lesson first and later on, the test to see if we really learned something.

In real life, however, that may seem to work the other way around, the test first and the lesson in the end. We have several means on how we can learn those lessons but still, we need real experiences to test us and give us opportunities to apply those lessons. And yes, the lessons we learn from experiences are still way too different from those we learned through others or through books, net, and many other mediums.

However, no matter how great a teacher an experience may be, it’s still up to us if we’ll be open to the lessons it will teach us, or we’ll just continue to go through those experiences, over and over, learning nothing.

Nang Makitang kang Muli ( A little dose of drama..again..wahaha)

I’ve seen him last ordination. The first next hours and days after that were really..hmmm..sorta painful because it reminded me again of that “hope”, that unsure hope and of course, the happy moments and feelings which might remain as mere part of the past. Well yes,deep down, there is still the flickering hope..(ehem..seems I hear "sana maulit muli ang mga oras nating nakaraan" and "love will lead you back.."..wahaha. Anyway, at least I can laugh now..hehe..)I don’t know if that lingering past would still be part of my future "presents". But then, he seems ok with where and what he has right now. And furthermore, I promised my Father to empty myself with everything bout' him. And I must be true, firm and faithful to that promise. I can’t take away what I offered. I know, He knows what will really make me happy..and how much I struggle to really let go and be faithful to what He wants for me right now. Let him go, Sally.. and let yourself go as well..let go..( Goodbye, I hate to see you go but have a good time, somewhere down the road, our roads are gonna cross again, it doesn't really matter when, or where..hehe)

And as w my family, yes, they need more of my time and attention especially my mom and bunso..

Your Greatest Curse can be your Greatest Blessing!

Gone with those make-over sessions for now. I'm just too damn busy with those piles of "to be edited" tasks. For now, just wanna have a quick post from one of my favorite mentors, Bo Sanchez. And I tell you, he's really worth your time so I'm also urging you to check out his sites.

This post really inspires me..and its true as I look back on what Ive been through. I actually do not believe in coincidences. For me, there's always the reason behind and well, it may be one of HIS ways to tell us something. We may even see it as something negative but HE can turn out those negativities into something positive. Even those that we consider as curse can turn out as our greatest blessings. All we need to do is just to offer those curse to HIM, and He'll surely turn that out into a blessing. There's nothing He can't do. That's how pwerful my, our God is.

Be blessed! Read on...

How To Turn Your Good Friday To Your Easter Sunday

Are you a good person?

If you are, do you wonder why bad things still happen to you?

Harold Kushner wrote a book with this same title and it became an instant bestseller. Because people want to know the answer.

Sorry, I’m not going to give you an answer. (Nobody can.)

Because the problem of suffering will always remain a mystery.

Instead, I’m going to tell you what to do.

I will tell you what to do in the midst of your suffering—so that you can overcome your suffering. How you can turn your Good Friday into your Easter Sunday!

Are you ready?

Let me share with you a powerful story…

Your Greatest Curse Can Turn To Be

Your Greatest Blessing

Michelangelo had a persecutor who was very jealous of him.

(I don’t mean the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, but the real Michelangelo.)

The persecutor’s name was Bramante, a famous architect during that time.

By the way, do you know Bramante? I’m positive 99% of you never heard of him. Do you notice how persecutors fade away in the dust, but the one they persecute become legends? An important lesson to remember!

When Pope Julius thought of making a tomb, he asked Michelangelo to do it.

But when Bramante heard of it—and thought of the acclaim that Michelangelo would receive from it—he discouraged the Pope from continuing with the project. True enough, after Michelangelo searched far and wide for the perfect marble for the project—which took 8 long months—he learned that the Pope had abandoned the project. Michelangelo was very disappointed.

One day, the Pope thought of another project.

Upon hearing about it, Bramante concluded that it would be a time-consuming project and would receive very little public acclaim. So he told the Pope to give it to Michelangelo. In his mind, it would keep the artist busy for years—and accomplish nothing of great value.

Besides, it was also a painting job, and Bramante knew that Michelangelo was not even a painter, but a sculptor.

Michelangelo saw the trap. He knew it was a ploy by his enemy to destroy him. At first, he declined. But the Pope insisted, and not wanting to deny his Holiness, he agreed.

The project was indeed time-consuming. It took Michelangelo 4 years to finish, and he almost lost his eyesight because of it…

I’m sure you know the project by now: The Sistine Chapel. The grandest masterpiece of Michelangelo. More than anything, it made him one of the greatest painters of all time.

What was meant to curse him turned out to be his greatest blessing.

Good Friday was supposed to be the greatest curse.

Yet it also turned out to be the greatest blessing.

No Matter What Trials Come,

Keep Doing The Good You’re Supposed To Do

I reflect on this story and look at my own life.

I’ve been serving God for that past 27 years, and I do get my share of little “Bramante’s” scattered here and there.

But without them, I would have missed my greatest blessings: spiritual growth, opportunities to serve, and the impact I have on people’s lives.

My biggest Bramante’s were the two men who molested me as a child.

Because of these indescribable painful experiences, I’ve been able to heal so many people who have the same inner wounds. (You can read more about this in two of my books, Your Past Does Not Define Your Future, and 7 Secrets To Real Freedom.)

I could also think of my other trials in life…

Oh, why do bad things happen to good people?

Here’s my great theological answer: I don’t know.

But this I know. No matter what trials come, I’ll do the good that I’m supposed to do.

And at the end of the day, I will win.

Friend, remain faithful to God in good times and in bad times.

And you’ll see how all things work for good to those who love Him.

And you’ll see how your Good Friday will turn to Easter Sunday.

Don’t ever give up!

May your dreams come true,

Bo Sanchez

Make-over pleazze!

If my blog could talk, guess it would ask for a make-over! Yes I admit, my blog is somewhat dull and boring..hehe..As I said, it's meant to express not to impress, so I don't really mind! But then, there's no harm trying for a new look though it may eat up my time. Nwy, I'll be making it a real "blog" one of these coming days. ciao!

So many things to do, so little done!

waaaa! Have lots and lots of things to do, concerns to focus on but..oh my..so little done! Nwy, I can do all things thru Him who strengthens me!!

The Hurt Survey

This Is The Hurt Survey. Got this from my bulletin.
Let's see if you’re tough enough to get
through it. If not, you're too scared
about the truth.

1. Would you kiss the last person you
kissed, again?
-hmmm..ewan depende sa circumstances..hehe..

2. Have you told anyone you'd marry
them?
-parang oo na..those times when I don’t know what am talking about..wahaha

3. Have you ever liked someone so much
that it hurts?
-yes

4. Have you ever made a bf/gf cry?
-sabi nila oo daw

5. Are you happier single or in a
relationship?
-single as of now..

6. Have you ever told someone you
loved them and didn't mean it?
-ye ye..

7. Have you ever had your heart broken?
-oo nmn! But MY FATHER made it whole again..

8. Have you ever broken someone else's
heart?
-oo na ata..

9. Do you still talk to your exes?
-oo

10. Last time you kissed someone?
-days ago..hehe..ang cuutttte kong inaanak..si be-ann!!

11. If you could go back in time and
change things, would you?
-i'd rather not to..i dnt know what the consequences may be..the next series of events may be worst than what ive been through..

12. Do you think you are a good bf/gf?
-both good, bad and naughty..harharhar

13. Do you believe everyone deserves a
second chance?
-oo nmn, kahit 7 times 7 to the nth infinity..hehe

14. Have u ever liked anyone else's
bf/gf?
-actually oo..but am battling against it..hehe

15. Like anyone right now?
-uu, kaso I easily fall kaya am still battling against that simple Liking w/c may go beyond….

17. Does that person like you back?
-oo nmn! wahaha..ambisyosa!!

18. What are you going to do tonight?
-sleep, watch tv, reflect, pray

19. How do you feel right now?
-ewan..halo halo..hehe

21. Have you ever been kissed upside
down?
-d pa, pero pwd itry..wahahha

22. What would you like to say to one
person on your mind?
-h!

Repost this as "The Hurt Survey"

Bwahahaha!

I was roaming over the net when I tripped on this post from Trip. In fairness..natawa ako..hehe..kaya go na rin..basa!!

It was jazz an ordinary day.

The skies were clear, the birds were chipping. Ang ganda-ganda ng araw!

Nasa SM ako noon at katatapos ko lang mamili ng groceries. Timing naman nasa foodcore si Angel Locsin, nagpro-provoke ng movie nya. Grabe, andaming fans, pull-packed talaga! Dahil fans nya rin ako, nakipila na rin ako.

Then suddenly, out of the loo, may bumulong sa akin ng : "Indaaayyyyy..."

Huh? It sounded like a familiar sound. Who can it be now?

"Dodong!" sigaw ko.

Napalakas yata voice ko. Kasi the other fans turned their backs to their
behind at napatingin sa amin. Sabi ko "Sorry, I didn't mean to be loud and proud." Hinawakan na lang ni Dodong ang kamay ko at lumayo kami from the crowd.

"Kamusta na Inday? Do you come here open?" tanong nya.

"Bihira lang, Dodong. I'm just droppings by. Ethnic ang schedule ko eh" sabi ko.

Memories came flushing in my mind. How can I forget to remember Dodong?


Siya na may mata ni Piolo, dimple ni Aga, at bigote ni Rex Cortez. He's
every woman's dreamboat. I was just starting my tour of duty kay ate noon nang unang makilala ko si Dodong. Contraction worker siya sa ginagawang bahay sa tapat namin. Naging kami for a while then after that were not an item anymore.

"Tanghali na Inday. What did you say we have lunch together?" tanong ni Dodong.

"I don't mine" sagot ko.

Sa restaurant, nilapitan kaagad kami ng waiter. "What's your odor sir?"
sabi nung waiter kay Dodong.

"Do you have porkshop?" tanong ni Dodong.

"Yes sir" sabi nito. "Our porkshop with a resistance to the teeth of boast of our chef. Domestic careful selection of pork with little fat of female liking is used. The exquisite cooking which repeated trial and error and was completed. It also has healthy vegetables with salad feeling fully" dagdag pa niya.

"And you mam?" sabay tingin naman sa akin.

Hmmm..mukhang masarap yung porkshop. Pero I'm cutting down on my carbon kaya pinigilan ko.

"I'll just have water, thanks. Liquidate diet ako eh."sagot ko.

Pagkatapos kumain, nagyaya si Dodong manood ng sine. Teka teka, this is going too far. Besides, it's a long, long, way to run.

"Reality chess, Dodong. May asawa na ako, si Jay. As a mother of fact, I'm happily married" pagmamalaki ko.

"Di na pwede yung tulad ng dati. Sorry pero I didn't expect you still have more feelings than I expected. I don't want you getting the way. Past is fast. Therefore, cause and defect." dagdag ko pa.

Tumahimik sya. Parang may language barrel na namagitan sa amin. The seconds that passed seemed like fraternity. Di nagla-on, nagsalita na rin sya.

"I don't care less!" sigaw ni Dodong.

Shocks, give me a brake! The nerd ng taong ito para sigawan ako! To think it's his other woman that caused our separation to part.

Kinabahan na ako. I felt speedbumps all over my body and was having panic attach. Tinalikuran ko siya at nagmadali akong lumakad palayo. Pero sumunod pa rin siya like a monkey on my butt. Hanggang sa makakita ako ng security guard. Biglang nawala si Dodong.

"Excuse me kuya, pwedeng magtanong?" sabi ko sa mamang guard.

"Of course miss, I can help you with my pleasure." sagot niya.

"Saan po ba ang exit? Could you point me to the right erection? I got lost in my eyes."

"Diretso lang."sabi niya. "Then turn right anytime with care."

"Thanks for your corporation" sabi ko.

Buti na lang nandun si kuya. Pero saglit lang, I smell something peachy. As I turned, nakita ko na namang nakasunod si Dodong! Delaying static lang pala kanina ang pag-disappear nya.

"Nyahahaha! You can run but you can hide, Inday. No matter where you go, there you are!" pananakot nya.

Oh no, is this the end? This is too much, I feel degradable. My world
started falling afar.

Then suddenly, Jay come from behind! Dodong was caught to the act! In the matter of minute, it's all over. I'm out of arm's way.

"Thanks Jay, my love. But how did you.?" bago pa man ako matapos, sabi niya:

"I was in the neighborhood. Fans din ako ni Angel eh. I heard you shout but at first I didn't give it a thought. Pero nang makita ko kayong magkahawak
ng holding hands, then I give it a thought. I know something is a missed."

From then on, Dodong did not brother me again. In fact, he didn't even
sister me. As in platonic at wala na talaga.

Pero kami ni Jay, heto, shoot sailing pa rin ang relationship. Lalo pa
ngayon, open na kami sa isa't-isa at walang exhibitions. I feel I'm on
cloudline.

The year that was..and the year that will be..

Yes, another year has ended once again, and here comes another year. As I look back over the past year, I could say that it's a battle well fought! 2007 was a year of struggles, conflicts and tears as reflected in my past posts ( the oh so dramatic emotional posts..hehe) but at this point I realized that it was indeed meant for a higher purpose.

S far, 2007 was the year I had the most painful heartbreak (..I don't know if the worst is still yet to come..uh oh..). However, along with the tears and pains are the lessons and values that I learned the hard way. Pain they say is a signal for growth. Remember the story of the clam that complained of the pain on his back which turns out to be a growing pearl? How about the caterpillar which must go through the hard way of coming out of its cocoon to squeeze out the liquid from its body and be the beautiful butterfly it is meant to be? Or how about the story of the potter and the clay? The clay was nothing but a mere clay but the potter takes it and molds it into a magnificent pot. However, the clay complained and complained because of the pain that it got into as the potter shaped and reshaped it and exposed it to fire and air. Good thing the potter didn't give up so in the end, the clay was molded into a beautiful pot.

I am also the clam, the butterfly and the clay. In the past year, I struggled through pains and tears. Whew! There are times when tears just flowed from my eyes with almost no reason at all.( but I'm still w/in my sanity.. those were the times when my emotions just skyrocket) Yes, I admit. I'm too sensitive. I'm too emotional although it may not be that obvious but deep down, I really am. I'm too weak deep down but you know what? I proved that my weakness is my strength because at that moment when I have no one, nothing to hold on to and cling to, in those moments that I'm really down (as in 0 degree below the ground), that I’m really too weak; that's the time when I truly surrendered to the Higher power, and allowed it to take over. Prayers indeed work wonders. As the burden became heavier, greater than my own limited strength, I had no other choice left but to kneel down and look up. That's the moment of my surrender, the moment when I let go of my resistance. The more I resist, the more painful it gets but as I open up, go with the flow of emotions and surrender, that's when I find release. Tears became my means for expressing inner grief that words cannot utterly express.

Along those times when I thought I was alone, when I have no one to turn to, God was there with me. I really don't know how to say it but I felt it. That sort of moment when you were really crying, then you pray and offer it all to Him knowing that He very well knows what you really feel since He is your creator. And after which, you just felt ok ,as if the tears have washed away the pains. As I look back, circumstances have conspired to light up my path. The circumstances I encountered served as my mentors to help me see and understand what I was going through.

As of now, I'm still in the process of getting over those memories but I have high hopes for this year. And I am imploring all the positive forces to be with me as I once again take my journey. I know there will be moments of pains and tears which can even be worst than what I’ve been through but I know I can get through because our Creator, our Boss, our Master and our Best Friend, and at the same time the all powerful King of Kings is with us, and in us.

As He promised:

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

We may have big problems but there is a BIGGER GOD out there who will be us to get through it. So whatever difficulty you may be going through right now or will be going through, lay it all down on His cross and hope for the best! May our hearts be open and be wide enough for all His blessings!

Puffs of Thoughts..

Here I am again! It's been so long since I had my last post. Who cares anyway? I'm actually itching to post but I can't seem to unite my conflicting, ironic, jumbled thoughts! Anyway as I said, this blog is more of an outlet for expression and not for impression although how I wish It could somehow be of use to others. Meanwhile, I'll use it to express what's taking place in my mind. Ok so, let me try to sort out the tangled threads of thoughts and feelings inside me.

a. Work Related Concerns - The company recently had an avaluation of the employee's performance. It was also the basis for the supposed salary increase. All employees have their increase. However, it paved way to more negative effects that positive ones. I don't know how high the given salary rates were but the lowest is actually, 3%. Hmmm..I really don't know if that's fair enough considering the standard and the nature of our job as compared with the standard in the IT industry. Personally, if I will be asked, the salary rates were not fair. Imagine an employee with a salary higher than his boss? Hmmm..or how about a former employee promoted to a higher position which comes along with added responsibilities and tasks but with the same compensation as that of an ordinary employee? How reliable and fair was the standard used? Did it really measure the real performance and value of an employee? Or rather, can the salary rate or the salary itself, speak for the real worth, effeciency and performance of the employee? And worst, the employee are not even given the chance to know how they come up with the rates. Is it such a highly confidential matter that we're not given a chance to know it?

There are still lots of questions in my mind but still, the increase itself is reason enough to be thankful. Still better than nothing, right? Anyway,Paulo Coelho mentioned in one of his books that every blessing ignored becomes a curse. Perhaps there is indeed truth in what he said. This increase will be more of a curse if we see it negatively. Using it as a basis to measure your worth could just lead to more negative thoughts. It's up to the person if he'll respond negatively or positively. As for me, I'll choose to respond positively. No matter how small the increase may seem, its a big thing for bread winners like me. Anyway,there is still the next evaluation. Its easier to move on top than to stay on top, right? There is still the time to make up. Yet, hope the company can truly come up with a reliable and truly fair standard and rates that would be of just benefit for all..not just among the few.

Simple but Profound..

A giant ship engine failed. The ship's owners tried
one expert after another, but none of them could
figure but how to fix the engine. Then they brought in
an old man who had been fixing ships since he was a
young.

He carried a large bag of tools with him, and when he
arrived, he immediately went to work. He inspected the
engine very carefully, top to bottom.

Two of the ship's owners were there, watching this
man, hoping he would know what to do. After looking
things over, the old man reached into his bag and
pulled out a small hammer. He gently tapped something.
Instantly, the engine lurched into life. He carefully
put his hammer away.

The engine was fixed! A week later, the owners
received a bill from the old man for ten thousand
dollars.

"What?!" the owners exclaimed. "He hardly did
anything!" So they wrote the old man a note saying,
"Please send us an itemized bill."

CAN YOU GUESS WHAT THE BREAKDOWN WAS?

The man sent a bill that read:
Tapping with a hammer. ............. . $ 2.00
Knowing where to tap..........$ 9,998.00


Effort is important, but knowing where to make an
effort in your life makes all the difference.