Monday, November 26, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
The Parable of the Cross
The Parable of the Cross
by: Juan Flavier
The farmer had a series of misfortunes in fairly close succession. He was uttterly dejected and filled with self-pity. He truly felt like it was the end of the world for he could no longer bear the heaviness in his heart and mind.
It started with the loss of his work animal - one of the best carabaos in the barrio and the envy of many farmers. The carabao-nappers even added insult to injury for the animal was never sold as a prime beast for farming. Instead it was ruthlessly and recklessly butchered. But the thieves only got the thighs. The body was left to decay and was eventually found due to the foul smell - a fate more befitting useless and sick carabaos.
This caused the farmer's yield in his rice farm to dwindle drastically as he had to make do by borrowing carabaos from other farmers. To top it off, a bad drought completely wiped out his already meager crop.
At midyear, his only son was caught in possession of prohibited drugs. The boy was alsom confirmed to be a drug dependent.
His daughter eloped with the son of his archenemy. "Anyone except that family," he moaned to himself.
And as if to inflict the unkindest cost of all, his wife ran away with the town policeman.
The man knelt in quiet desperation and prayed in his small nipa hut. "Lord, I have had it. I cannot take it anymore. This is just too much for me. I can no longer carry my cross."
A blinding light blazed upon the farmer and a kindly voice boomed. "I understand how you feel, my son. If you cannot bear your cross anymore, then come enter the room of crosses and select one whose weight you feel you can bear."
Immediately the farmer saw a door open before him. He dutifully entered the brightly lit room and left his cross by the door. He saw before him all sorts of bulky crosses - all much bigger and heavier than his. There was a bloodied cross which towered so high he could not discern its top. One after another, he tried but could barely lift the crosses.
Finally, he saw a small cross, which appeared manageable. He heaved it upon his shoulders where it rested comfortably. "Lord, I like this one," the farmer announced.
"THAT IS THE VERY SAME CROSS YOU BROUGHT IN, MY SON. Take it and go in peace," said the Lord.
We must be reminded that the trials in our lives serve as a cross for us to bear. God knows our limits, He will not give us anything that we can't carry. If it's too heavy for us, He will be there to help us and lend a hand.
Be thankful for your cross, it can be a blessing sometimes. Your cross can make you a stronger and better person when you hold on to God. Have faith in Him for He is always faithful to His children.
If you feel burdened and you think that your cross is too heavy for you, just remember the cross of Jesus Christ. Your cross cannot be compared to the cross that Jesus Christ Himself carried to redeem us from our sins.
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Mt 16:24/Mk 8:34/Lk 9:23)
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thanksgiving Among Friends
May your stuffing be tasty.
May your turkey be plump.May your potatoes ' n gravy have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious.
May your pies take the prize.
May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.
MAY YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING!
This is from an email I got today! Wishing you all a wondeful Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
The Legend of the Butterfly
Once as a child many years ago...
On a balmy summer's eve.
I sat in the yard at my Mother's side...
And a butterfly lit at my sleeve.
"It's a sign of good luck", my Mother said.
As the butterfly stayed at my arm...
"It's a symbol of all the beauty in life.
Make sure you do it no harm."
First butterflies are eggs and after they hatch...
They see that their life's just beginning.
They're content with their lot in life,
So, they go out on a limb and start spinning.
They stay out awhile in a magic cocoon....
Then emerge like flowers in spring.
Then they share the story of their victory and success...
Through each of the colors of their wings.
The gold in their wings is the "Golden Rule"...
To follow that is a must.
The blue.... That means true blue.
Always be someone people can trust.
The green of the tip of their wing
Is saying Stay green, and you'll always grow.
The silver is the lining in the clouds of doubt...
That you must look for as you go through life.
Butterflies bend with the wind, it's true.
Still they get where they want to go.
They arrive by persistence through their own insistence...
A lesson more people should know.
Sought and valued by the whole human race...
For their beauty, tenacity and charm.
If a butterfly ever chances to stay at your sleeve...
Remember, my friend, don't fight it, but,
Learn all you can from the butterfly clan.
And you too, may become a rare item.
- Author Unknown
This is one of my favorite poems when I was younger. I loved watching butterflies when I was a kid, always admiring the colors they have. This poem gave me a deeper understanding of what their colors meant. This is just a simple reminder of how symbolic a butterfly can be.
On a balmy summer's eve.
I sat in the yard at my Mother's side...
And a butterfly lit at my sleeve.
"It's a sign of good luck", my Mother said.
As the butterfly stayed at my arm...
"It's a symbol of all the beauty in life.
Make sure you do it no harm."
First butterflies are eggs and after they hatch...
They see that their life's just beginning.
They're content with their lot in life,
So, they go out on a limb and start spinning.
They stay out awhile in a magic cocoon....
Then emerge like flowers in spring.
Then they share the story of their victory and success...
Through each of the colors of their wings.
The gold in their wings is the "Golden Rule"...
To follow that is a must.
The blue.... That means true blue.
Always be someone people can trust.
The green of the tip of their wing
Is saying Stay green, and you'll always grow.
The silver is the lining in the clouds of doubt...
That you must look for as you go through life.
Butterflies bend with the wind, it's true.
Still they get where they want to go.
They arrive by persistence through their own insistence...
A lesson more people should know.
Sought and valued by the whole human race...
For their beauty, tenacity and charm.
If a butterfly ever chances to stay at your sleeve...
Remember, my friend, don't fight it, but,
Learn all you can from the butterfly clan.
And you too, may become a rare item.
- Author Unknown
This is one of my favorite poems when I was younger. I loved watching butterflies when I was a kid, always admiring the colors they have. This poem gave me a deeper understanding of what their colors meant. This is just a simple reminder of how symbolic a butterfly can be.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Bridging The Distance
out of the ordinary, we came to know of
each other's existence;
we just believe in our hearts that both
of us are real
despite the doubts that invaded our
spirits
brought by circumstances in our pasts
that haunt our souls.
it started with an innocent 'hi' while
exploring a new world of this age.
curious at the marvel of the unknown,
each day became a new discovery.
drawn with the mysteries both of us
tried to unravel,
suddenly we realized we're two faceless
friends hidden behind the norms.
moments were shared laughing at each other
without seeing the smiles,
times were spent crying without watching
the tears roll down the cheeks;
hours passed by quickly with the clicking
of the keyboards,
minutes frozen just staring at a screen
with words you have composed.
little by little, we began to give trust,
shared our dreams and ideas;
others often find it funny and strange
with ways people meet;
build something called friendship that
is rare to find,
it's something that doesn't come overnight
and i'm too glad it happened to us.
time and distance are factors that separate
us, but they didn't keep us apart,
simple words take away the fears and anxieties
of the unknown;
a certain spark of feeling knocks in me and
i want to prove others wrong,
friendship knows no bounds when it lingers
inside oneself ...
we've bridged the distance between us,
even tore down the barriers of time ...
finally, two faceless friends unmasked
and seeing each other eye to eye;
'twas nice to see the smiles at last,
hear the laughters and have some fun ...
it was a memory to keep and cherish,
far greater than anything in the world ...
(dec 7, 1998 11:25am CST)
... sharing my thoughts and feelings ...
- jean -
This is a poem I've written for a friend I met online and I wrote this after we've met on Thanksgiving in 1998.
He's one of the very first few online friends that I have. I was in Singapore and he was in Virginia when we started chatting online.
When I came to the United States, he's been a great help to me battling the uncertainties of life. Life became easier for me back in 1998 because of him.
Good friends are hard to find, I'm lucky that I have a friend like him.
each other's existence;
we just believe in our hearts that both
of us are real
despite the doubts that invaded our
spirits
brought by circumstances in our pasts
that haunt our souls.
it started with an innocent 'hi' while
exploring a new world of this age.
curious at the marvel of the unknown,
each day became a new discovery.
drawn with the mysteries both of us
tried to unravel,
suddenly we realized we're two faceless
friends hidden behind the norms.
moments were shared laughing at each other
without seeing the smiles,
times were spent crying without watching
the tears roll down the cheeks;
hours passed by quickly with the clicking
of the keyboards,
minutes frozen just staring at a screen
with words you have composed.
little by little, we began to give trust,
shared our dreams and ideas;
others often find it funny and strange
with ways people meet;
build something called friendship that
is rare to find,
it's something that doesn't come overnight
and i'm too glad it happened to us.
time and distance are factors that separate
us, but they didn't keep us apart,
simple words take away the fears and anxieties
of the unknown;
a certain spark of feeling knocks in me and
i want to prove others wrong,
friendship knows no bounds when it lingers
inside oneself ...
we've bridged the distance between us,
even tore down the barriers of time ...
finally, two faceless friends unmasked
and seeing each other eye to eye;
'twas nice to see the smiles at last,
hear the laughters and have some fun ...
it was a memory to keep and cherish,
far greater than anything in the world ...
(dec 7, 1998 11:25am CST)
... sharing my thoughts and feelings ...
- jean -
This is a poem I've written for a friend I met online and I wrote this after we've met on Thanksgiving in 1998.
He's one of the very first few online friends that I have. I was in Singapore and he was in Virginia when we started chatting online.
When I came to the United States, he's been a great help to me battling the uncertainties of life. Life became easier for me back in 1998 because of him.
Good friends are hard to find, I'm lucky that I have a friend like him.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
God Amidst Tragedy
With the recent wildfires in Southern California, let us not forget that God is with us through these.
He alone can give us the comfort we need and can take away the pains brought by this tragedy.
This is a picture I received from an email and an actual picture during the tragedy. I'd like to give credit to whoever took this picture, it is an incredible shot!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
A Blessing From Above
I was late coming in to work on Tuesday because I had to drop off Patrick at the airport. When I logged on my computer and opened my mailbox, a message from our CIO was waiting for me ... he simply asked me to come see him whenever I have a moment. I was worried and thought hard ... What have I done to displease him? Will I be given another project that no one wanted? So I knocked on his office's door. He asked me to close the door and sit down. I was nervous. Hmmm... something's up. He started talking about a type of program by the company. I started writing down notes, relieved that he's just going to give me another special project and I'm not in trouble (at least that's my train of thoughts at that very second). He then handed me a letter signed by the CEO of the company. My heart skips a beat! These words echoed in my mind, "Oh goodness, they are terminating me! They're probably getting rid of our group like those HR people." I started reading, it said "Congratulations!" in the beginning, lots of things ran through my mind... Will I be promoted? Did I win something from a company drawing? Well, nothing really registered in my brains until I read the second paragraph. It started with ... "Your Key Contributor Award is $10,000". I stopped there. I read it again, and again, and again... I thought there's something wrong with my vision since I'm still sleepy, but the words didn't change. After a few seconds of silence, I blurted out, "This is awesome!" I looked away from the letter and I saw him smile (he rarely smile, by the way). When I finished reading the letter, we started talking. He mentioned that this type of Award only goes to officers of the company, but they wanted to change it this year. I feel honored and grateful to be chosen to receive it, I'm happy to be recognized and my hard work appreciated.
I've been praying hard for a miracle, I didn't know that God will give me such a pleasant surprise. God continuously shower me with His blessings and forever I will praise Him!!!
I've been praying hard for a miracle, I didn't know that God will give me such a pleasant surprise. God continuously shower me with His blessings and forever I will praise Him!!!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
1 Peter 4:10
God has given each of you a gift.
Use it to help each other.
This will show God's loving-favor.
- New Life Version
Use it to help each other.
This will show God's loving-favor.
- New Life Version
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Psalm 25:4
Sunset by the BeachOnly God can give us this beautiful sunset to watch,
Glorious are His ways to have our hearts touched.
This picture was taken by Jean in one of our walks on Redondo Beach.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Vision Forum Giveaway
Kim at Life In A Shoe is having a drawing of $250 worth of Vision Forum merchandise.
If you want to know more about the contest, click this link.
Here's my wish list:
1. The History of the World Mega-Conference Complete Audio Collection
Item #: 42800
Price : $198
2. Teach Them To Your Children
Item #: 17820
Price : $17
3. The League of Grateful Sons DVD
Item #: 67880
Price : $20
4. Beloved Bride: The Letters of Stonewall Jackson to His Wife
Item #: 43253
Price : $15
Total Price = $250
Aside from the giveaway mentioned above, she has more free stuff for giveaway from Vision Forum.
These contests are really wonderful!
If you want to know more about the contest, click this link.
Here's my wish list:
1. The History of the World Mega-Conference Complete Audio Collection
Item #: 42800
Price : $198
2. Teach Them To Your Children
Item #: 17820
Price : $17
3. The League of Grateful Sons DVD
Item #: 67880
Price : $20
4. Beloved Bride: The Letters of Stonewall Jackson to His Wife
Item #: 43253
Price : $15
Total Price = $250
Aside from the giveaway mentioned above, she has more free stuff for giveaway from Vision Forum.
These contests are really wonderful!
Ecclesiastes 9:10
I drew this some time in the '90s:
... added some colors to it, and it looked like this:
... added some colors to it, and it looked like this:
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Why Do I Love Thee?
Jean always asked me why do I love her so I gave her a card and a message.
The card reads:
When the day is over and I hear your footsteps outside the door...
... I smile to myself at the wonder of having you in my life.
My message to her:
"I could not imagine waking up each morning without you by my side. Never has my life been more complete than now. You often ask why I love you. It seems impossible to define it in words, as our love knows not the bounds of language. It is a feeling, a calmness, serenity inside because of you -- being here with me. Your smile, your touch, your caring words, all are but small reasons for my love for you. You make every day as good as the first. Let's continue to have those countless first days together for the rest of our lives. A love that endures forever and ever."
The card reads:
When the day is over and I hear your footsteps outside the door...
... I smile to myself at the wonder of having you in my life.
My message to her:
"I could not imagine waking up each morning without you by my side. Never has my life been more complete than now. You often ask why I love you. It seems impossible to define it in words, as our love knows not the bounds of language. It is a feeling, a calmness, serenity inside because of you -- being here with me. Your smile, your touch, your caring words, all are but small reasons for my love for you. You make every day as good as the first. Let's continue to have those countless first days together for the rest of our lives. A love that endures forever and ever."
The Completeness of Life
This is a letter from a friend whom you think is your enemy. I really want to be your friend, I somehow want to tell you that I feel so sad when you are sad and I feel so glad when you are glad. I saw all your struggles, your downfalls and your continuous effort to hold on to life. There were times when I know you don't have the energy to even put your one foot forward to get to your destination. You have wanted to give up, but you never did.
I know everything you feel and I can perceive everything you think. You often speak with me and I am attentive in listening to all your pleas and your cries. It breaks me to see you beaten and lost in a fight, you said that you are not really living for you believe that you are only surviving.
How can I make you see that this world is only one speck of reality? You crave for something that you do not have, yet ignoring the things that you do have. You have wanted to explore the world to see the beauty that is hidden from your eyes. Look straight into the horizon, can you see the rays of the sun? It remains untouched, yet you feel it penetrating into your skin. You don't have to see everything, you only need to look at what is in front of you and sometimes take a glance at your sides or turn around to see what is behind you. From there, feel the wind and breathe. Isn't it relaxing to just plainly be at peace with yourself? You don't need to spend a penny to feel the completeness of life. Life itself is complete, you only add up something to it. Add a little or add a lot, just put on the right ingredients to make it better.
You have seen a lot of things that are sore so confusion towered over you. You thought life is easy, then it struck you when time allowed you to be a witness of the harsh realities of life. You asked too many questions, unsatisfied by the answers given to you, you treaded into high and low waters. It's so unnerving that you nearly drowned while you are in shallow waters. You managed to stay away, but became afraid of the real troubles from deep within. Curiosity entered your mind and bravely you paddled into the ocean of mysteries, with your mind set that you really want to unravel those secrets underneath. Suddenly, you felt that you are lost, you began to shout yet no one heard you. You began to try all sorts of possible ways that you think will save you until you became restless. I can only hear your sobs when you feel hurt, I can see you shiver when the coldness of the night embraced you, I can also see you wince in pain when you are burning from the heat of the sun. You have suffered tremendously from your own point of you.
You once said that life is not always a bed of roses, but an array of thorns. Though beautiful as it is, the rose has thorns ... but the thorns are what make a rose real, just like life. Difficulties are part of everyday life, that is what life is made of and that is why life becomes real. A devastation is what you have imagined for a single pain that you feel, then you became aware that you are not the only one suffering. There were people dying from the real destructions beyond the control of anyone. There were those who are so pitiful that you can only shed a tear when you see them. Then you realize how lucky you are for you do not belong to those who are unfortunate to not even know who they are.
You have searched yourself endlessly, but you have not found your true self. How can you ever find what you are looking for when you hid yourself from your own eyes? You see a different person when you look into a mirror, the person staring back at you is not the one that you want to see. But it is you ... you can not re-arrange the truth and turn it into lies. You always want to live with the truth, but the truth is what makes you feel so sad. Acceptance of the truth is one thing that you can not do, you always want to change things to your own liking. Learn how to accept the truth, the realities before you will be able to set you free. Everything is beyond your control, you can not cheat on life as it will only put you into an even darker part of the room where you are now. There are lights hanging above you, you only have to turn on the switch then you can see clearly the things that you need to see.
You were given enormous treasures, valuables that can not be found anywhere else. You wanted to discard all of those in exchange for something that you think will make you happy. Have you ever asked yourself if it is really the one thing that you truly want? I wonder what you will be like when all that you have are gone. I can only foresee that you will not just doubly unhappy when you don't have anything at all. For the moment, cherish what you have and more beautiful things will come to you. Don't dwell on the regrets that you feel for they will soon come to pass. Time will help you heal all wounds and the scars which now make a solid mark into your totality will stay to remind you of a triumph you once had.
Complete happiness is what you yearn for, but do you really believe that a person can achieve it? I'm not sure whether there is a single soul living here on earth that had achieved complete happiness. Some may claim that they are happy, but are they completely happy? Move ahead and define happiness ... happiness is not being able to laugh or smile. So where is happiness? It lies within your heart, it resides within yourself. Clear your heart from doubts and fears. Though seasons recurringly change, it left something for you to think about. It left behind the times and moments when you have undefinable feelings. It was a season of tears, but it was never a season of fears because you have accepted the challenges it brought.
You have underrated yourself for somebody who is worthless, a person that is beyond what a normal being can be. You looked down at yourself, but you were amazed that there are actually people believing in you. If only you can also believe in yourself... in your capabilities and the talents you possess. You may not be as wonderful as the ones you admired, but there is something inside you that you can be proud of.
Faith and hope are resistant from the elements that keep you from being the person you want to be. Faith is there to strengthen you when you feel so weak, it enables you to stand up whenever you slip. Hope occupies a portion of your heart and mind, it is there all along and it serves as a guide for you to be on the right track when you wander too far. But, you only have little room for love. I doubt it if you even love yourself, should I tell you why? If love is present in you, you will never be the person that you despise of. You said that you let love in and you allowed it to dominate your whole being, then why are you feeling terribly sorry for yourself? There are certain rules that you must know, loving doesn't mean everything. It is like a cycle in man's life, life springs from life and so does love. Life has its end and so does love, but life itself does not end gracefully as there were those who feel the loss. Love has to cry, but it need not die. Learn to love yourself as a starter.
There is an intervening attitude of yours that I really detest, anger almost always engulps you. Suppress the feeling of hatred in your heart, learn how to forgive and forget. People are sometimes mean, they hurt you with just a single word. Just remember, it is always a divine thing when you have the ability to forgive. Forgiving may mean swallowing your pride, but isn't it better than being swallowed by your pride? Now, to forget is another thing ... it is something that is hard to do. Always remember that memories can keep you captive, it will lock you into the virtuality of things that have long been gone. Take on the benefits it can give and depart from its ravaging effects.
I am putting my trust on you, it is only up to you to achieve all goals that you have set. In your mind and in your heart you believe that you will be able to make it. You have already survived trials in the past, you have crossed the barriers of time so don't be afraid to move ahead again. Your quest will soon come to an end.
Most of all, don't forget to pray to the One who knows everything. He can give you the comfort no one else can give, He is always ready to lend a hand for you to hold on to. He loves you more than you think He can, you don't need to ask anything from Him as He always provides. Don't despair when you have asked for friends, but you were given enemies and when you have asked for love, you were given hatred. It is His own mysterious way to tell you of a message He wants to relay.
If you feel and think that you have nothing at all, let me assure you that you have me ... a friend.
And, maybe, just maybe, it is in nothingness that you will feel the completeness in life.
This is a letter I sent to a very special friend during the most trying days of her life.
I know everything you feel and I can perceive everything you think. You often speak with me and I am attentive in listening to all your pleas and your cries. It breaks me to see you beaten and lost in a fight, you said that you are not really living for you believe that you are only surviving.
How can I make you see that this world is only one speck of reality? You crave for something that you do not have, yet ignoring the things that you do have. You have wanted to explore the world to see the beauty that is hidden from your eyes. Look straight into the horizon, can you see the rays of the sun? It remains untouched, yet you feel it penetrating into your skin. You don't have to see everything, you only need to look at what is in front of you and sometimes take a glance at your sides or turn around to see what is behind you. From there, feel the wind and breathe. Isn't it relaxing to just plainly be at peace with yourself? You don't need to spend a penny to feel the completeness of life. Life itself is complete, you only add up something to it. Add a little or add a lot, just put on the right ingredients to make it better.
You have seen a lot of things that are sore so confusion towered over you. You thought life is easy, then it struck you when time allowed you to be a witness of the harsh realities of life. You asked too many questions, unsatisfied by the answers given to you, you treaded into high and low waters. It's so unnerving that you nearly drowned while you are in shallow waters. You managed to stay away, but became afraid of the real troubles from deep within. Curiosity entered your mind and bravely you paddled into the ocean of mysteries, with your mind set that you really want to unravel those secrets underneath. Suddenly, you felt that you are lost, you began to shout yet no one heard you. You began to try all sorts of possible ways that you think will save you until you became restless. I can only hear your sobs when you feel hurt, I can see you shiver when the coldness of the night embraced you, I can also see you wince in pain when you are burning from the heat of the sun. You have suffered tremendously from your own point of you.
You once said that life is not always a bed of roses, but an array of thorns. Though beautiful as it is, the rose has thorns ... but the thorns are what make a rose real, just like life. Difficulties are part of everyday life, that is what life is made of and that is why life becomes real. A devastation is what you have imagined for a single pain that you feel, then you became aware that you are not the only one suffering. There were people dying from the real destructions beyond the control of anyone. There were those who are so pitiful that you can only shed a tear when you see them. Then you realize how lucky you are for you do not belong to those who are unfortunate to not even know who they are.
You have searched yourself endlessly, but you have not found your true self. How can you ever find what you are looking for when you hid yourself from your own eyes? You see a different person when you look into a mirror, the person staring back at you is not the one that you want to see. But it is you ... you can not re-arrange the truth and turn it into lies. You always want to live with the truth, but the truth is what makes you feel so sad. Acceptance of the truth is one thing that you can not do, you always want to change things to your own liking. Learn how to accept the truth, the realities before you will be able to set you free. Everything is beyond your control, you can not cheat on life as it will only put you into an even darker part of the room where you are now. There are lights hanging above you, you only have to turn on the switch then you can see clearly the things that you need to see.
You were given enormous treasures, valuables that can not be found anywhere else. You wanted to discard all of those in exchange for something that you think will make you happy. Have you ever asked yourself if it is really the one thing that you truly want? I wonder what you will be like when all that you have are gone. I can only foresee that you will not just doubly unhappy when you don't have anything at all. For the moment, cherish what you have and more beautiful things will come to you. Don't dwell on the regrets that you feel for they will soon come to pass. Time will help you heal all wounds and the scars which now make a solid mark into your totality will stay to remind you of a triumph you once had.
Complete happiness is what you yearn for, but do you really believe that a person can achieve it? I'm not sure whether there is a single soul living here on earth that had achieved complete happiness. Some may claim that they are happy, but are they completely happy? Move ahead and define happiness ... happiness is not being able to laugh or smile. So where is happiness? It lies within your heart, it resides within yourself. Clear your heart from doubts and fears. Though seasons recurringly change, it left something for you to think about. It left behind the times and moments when you have undefinable feelings. It was a season of tears, but it was never a season of fears because you have accepted the challenges it brought.
You have underrated yourself for somebody who is worthless, a person that is beyond what a normal being can be. You looked down at yourself, but you were amazed that there are actually people believing in you. If only you can also believe in yourself... in your capabilities and the talents you possess. You may not be as wonderful as the ones you admired, but there is something inside you that you can be proud of.
Faith and hope are resistant from the elements that keep you from being the person you want to be. Faith is there to strengthen you when you feel so weak, it enables you to stand up whenever you slip. Hope occupies a portion of your heart and mind, it is there all along and it serves as a guide for you to be on the right track when you wander too far. But, you only have little room for love. I doubt it if you even love yourself, should I tell you why? If love is present in you, you will never be the person that you despise of. You said that you let love in and you allowed it to dominate your whole being, then why are you feeling terribly sorry for yourself? There are certain rules that you must know, loving doesn't mean everything. It is like a cycle in man's life, life springs from life and so does love. Life has its end and so does love, but life itself does not end gracefully as there were those who feel the loss. Love has to cry, but it need not die. Learn to love yourself as a starter.
There is an intervening attitude of yours that I really detest, anger almost always engulps you. Suppress the feeling of hatred in your heart, learn how to forgive and forget. People are sometimes mean, they hurt you with just a single word. Just remember, it is always a divine thing when you have the ability to forgive. Forgiving may mean swallowing your pride, but isn't it better than being swallowed by your pride? Now, to forget is another thing ... it is something that is hard to do. Always remember that memories can keep you captive, it will lock you into the virtuality of things that have long been gone. Take on the benefits it can give and depart from its ravaging effects.
I am putting my trust on you, it is only up to you to achieve all goals that you have set. In your mind and in your heart you believe that you will be able to make it. You have already survived trials in the past, you have crossed the barriers of time so don't be afraid to move ahead again. Your quest will soon come to an end.
Most of all, don't forget to pray to the One who knows everything. He can give you the comfort no one else can give, He is always ready to lend a hand for you to hold on to. He loves you more than you think He can, you don't need to ask anything from Him as He always provides. Don't despair when you have asked for friends, but you were given enemies and when you have asked for love, you were given hatred. It is His own mysterious way to tell you of a message He wants to relay.
If you feel and think that you have nothing at all, let me assure you that you have me ... a friend.
And, maybe, just maybe, it is in nothingness that you will feel the completeness in life.
This is a letter I sent to a very special friend during the most trying days of her life.
Welcome to Reflections Express!
This is where I put some of my old and new reflections, letters, poems, drawings, favorite articles and almost anything that I think is worthy to share to everyone.
I love to write, but my busy schedule prevented me from writing as much as I would love to. Most of the time, I would scribble something and forget where I have saved it so I thought I would start a blog. I used to have a "Reflections" notebook when I was younger, I would like to put all of what I have written before on here. However, I would need to travel 10,000 miles to go find it. So, what I have right now are some of the items that I have written in the past few years. Watch out for some new compositions.
Enjoy and relax ... read and reflect!
I love to write, but my busy schedule prevented me from writing as much as I would love to. Most of the time, I would scribble something and forget where I have saved it so I thought I would start a blog. I used to have a "Reflections" notebook when I was younger, I would like to put all of what I have written before on here. However, I would need to travel 10,000 miles to go find it. So, what I have right now are some of the items that I have written in the past few years. Watch out for some new compositions.
Enjoy and relax ... read and reflect!
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