THE BIG GUY UPSTAIRS CAN SHINE THROUGH IT ALL

  

A very good friend sent this quote to me (Thank you!)... 

 

"All days can't be bright but it's certainly true, there was never a cloud the sun didn't shine through ". 😊

I love blue skies.. clear blue skies -- a canvas to build my dreams on. But clouds, though pretty in its own, can mess up my reverie. It comes messing up my canvas pushing and shoving its images out of shape. Then when I think all's lost.. here comes the sun! Clunky, billows of clouds, clusters, whatever its shape or size are no match to it. The sun, blessed ole Sol, comes shining through it all!!
🌤🌤🌤
I guess I will take my cue from that. Life is beautiful. Though sometimes it can be quite a challenge, too, shaking up your dreams just like that. But naahh.. the Big Guy upstairs can shine through it all and get me back on track again. Gosh Daddy, thank YOU!
😇🌞🌷💖 

IMPERFECT BUT PERFECTLY PUT TOGETHER

Whenever I look back to the life I have lived (something which everybody does once in awhile), it makes me want to smile. Generally speaking, that is. Because at some point or points somewhere there admittedly I cried buckets, too. 'Was angered -- disappointed several times – frustrated – confused – betrayed – worried mountains -- dealt with illness and losing loved ones – saddened over broken promises -- hated some and wished them banished to hell -- loved many -- surprised to the hilt -- delighted to the bones -- lost hope at some point but got it back again -- inspired by moments with every beating of my little puny heart -- questioned my God over some difficulties but which He simply shrugged off with a smile and with a tiny miracle which got me back on my feet again (how do I know He did that? Simple, felt it in the heart.)
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Well, don't we all? We each in our respective spheres of life and living go through times which eat up our morning, noon, and night and everything in-between. We are one or the other at certain points in our human lives. Rising and setting with the sun... and sparkling with the stars or not. Sometimes staying long enough at a certain point with stuff on our minds, hearts, and souls engaging us physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. These things build us up or break us down. We become what our experiences make us to be.
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That is our story….. Our history….. Our book of life. It’s made us who we are today. Both the good and the bad in our humanly flawed self. Imperfect but perfectly put together, for a reason by divine design.
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But ...

🌺 notwithstanding all that has happened to us (good or bad), we must come out of it all as much better each time. It is what we have made of ourselves or who we are today, which truly matters. It is how we respond to everything that is life that makes the cut. Sure that can be quite a struggle or a challenge to many of us. It is to me. Always will be. But 'anything that does not kill us, will only make us stronger'. Remember that line?
It is learning our lessons well and becoming authentically the person God meant us to be. It is when we grow, develop, mature, progress to become better persons from the persons we were yesterday. It is when we become better that puts a smile on God’s face.
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That, by the way, is the goal of our temporary lives.
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Have a great day, dear friends. God bless you all!🤗🌹

"I WAS JUST BEING MYSELF".....

Here's a beautiful quote.....

“I was just being myself” isn’t an excuse for disrespectful behavior. It signals a lack of concern for others. Authenticity without empathy is selfish. Authenticity without boundaries is selfish. Be true to your values, but show regard for others’ values.” ---- Adam Grant (American psychologist and author)

Unquote.

Have often heard this said by both friends and strangers alike. Often thinking that they are just being true and honest and that it is the right thing to do.

Well….. yes and no. So I have learned.

Being true and honest is a good thing no doubt about that. We would rather have a person who tells us true and honest stories, experiences, observations, analysis, correction, and all other information which are true to life and living and which help us grow in the understanding of both good and bad.

But…🤔

There is also such a thing as saying it right without having to hurt people or stepping on their toes or being mean about it, intentionally or not. One can be both right and wrong unawares in trying to defend ones’ cause, beliefs, or sense of righteousness.

The goal is to be kind. In every which way we can.

We are not here to bring people down or bash them to the ground for each and every tiny fault or sin. Especially family and friends who we treasure and love. We are here to build up and not to bring down or destroy. We are here not to plant seeds of hurt and pain but to nurture and nourish compassion, understanding, empathy, and joy. Selflessly.

We should not take offense easily where there is none intended. Because truth is life is not all about you. We can’t and shouldn’t always bring in the I-Me-My-Mine of things into everything. But if you ever should… temper it with kindness.

The goal is to be kind. In every which way we can.
God's blessings to you and yours. In Christ.
😊🌺🌹🌷
Qq

LIFE SHAPES CHARACTER

 

 

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One bleak afternoon long, long ago I was sitting on a weather-beaten wooden bench under my grandma's guava tree. Oh well, not even a lush green tree for some good shade but a guava tree with sparse foliage and nary a fruit in sight that I could even pick and munch on while contemplating the universe.

Life was rough and I wasn't even too sure that I'd get somewhere... anywhere. You know the feeling i.e. struggling uphill, coming up to a huge wall, or coming face to face with a dead-end. It's like you have suddenly become life's least loved child or life's favorite punching bag. I sat there defeated and brokenhearted. As tears rolled down my cheeks I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder.

Mom sat down and said......

"I can't promise you that things will become better; I can't see that far nor I live that long. And my heart is just as weary as yours is now. But I have lived long enough to say that things will change...do change.

What you need to understand is this.....

All of these about life, both the good and bad, are all meant for your shaping of character. Take it all in and learn where you should learn. Be strong where you should be strong. Be brave where you should be brave. Be good where you should be good. And be gentle with yourself, too. Learn to rest when you should.

Essentially, remember to be kind. Do not think that your pain entitles you to be mean at others or at the world. You cannot do that; you do not know what they are going through in their own lives. Everybody goes through some struggle or another. None exempted. But they sometimes keep it to themselves. Being kind means that you do understand. Reach out to them whenever you can and help ease their pain.

And for those who cause you pain, who make life miserable for you (it happens to the best of us), look at them with an open mind and heart and know that they too may be going through perhaps odd and tough circumstances in their own lives and lash out in the only way (unpleasant as it may be) they know how. Difficult as it may be turn your back on them for surely they will suffer the consequences of their own bad. That being the law of the universe. "Whatsoever you shall sow, so shall you reap."

Pray. Without God you (we) are nothing. With God, there is hope....potential....possibilities....miracles.... joy.... blessings.... continuity of life.

All these things you should be in your character. These are the very things life teaches you. Life's aim is to create a better you. It does this day after day after day. You will one day become your highest potential and good. On the condition that you learn all that you should be learning.

It is alright to cry. When you're done, give the day.. life.. your best shot once more. And do it again tomorrow and the next and the next. Okay?"

I love my mom --- my hero.❤️💕💖💖
God and mom..... quite a team, aye?😇🌹

A MOTHER'S EXPECTATIONS ISN'T THE ONLY FORMULA TO LIFE AND LIVING

                               

 

--- My mom held expectations for me in her heart. Perhaps the same way her mom had hers for her daughter in their time. Mom, though poor, persevered and graduated, but I didn't know if teaching was her dream job, and she married before 30. 🌷

I think I've missed a few things in her list. Life had other plans for me and laid down challenges on the table which were stoically meant for me to hurdle. Not always easy; I had my share of hurt and pain but something was undoubtedly happening. I sensed my life moving... evolving.  I can  understand it now as I look back to it all. 🌷

Yes, I better understand it now that a mother's expectations though with good intent and love isn't the only formula to life and living. 🌷

Because life is not all about what others may think is best for you. Rather it should be lived according to you in your own lived circumstances... in your own allotted time and space and moments... in your best of who you are and what you are, by God's design. God, by the way, always knows best.🌷

Happy in the heart. I hope wiser too. It's still an imperfect life --- but, Mom, it's a good one.💕🌷🤗

ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS

 

 

 

 

-- Youngest daughter took me out on a date Sunday @Power Plant Mall, Makati. My first to go that far in the big city. Well, I hate the famous monstrous traffic down Edsa, that's why. But this time I got a big surprise as we easily cruised along Edsa in good time. Maybe because 'twas a Sunday?😉 Anyway, lots to see -- new buildings that weren't there before. Heyy when was the last time anyway?!?! 

😁But I was more entertained by people-watching. Funny, they seem to look the same...a pair of eyes, a pair of ears some having them sticking out the sides of their faces - others falling flat you wouldn't know they're there, a nose that would be very Asian and in some revealing a streak of foreign intervention, and lips that are either thick or thin..droopy or curved up eternally in a smile. They passed my view like a movie as we drove past them. And all amused me in great measure☺Won't miss it for a million dollars.. hala sigue pesos na lang😁

At the mall..when you see one you've seen them all. Noticed that nobody really goes there to buy. Not everybody really. Not many are seen with packages tucked under their arm or shopping bags hanging down their side. Instead the mall becomes something like a park....to make paseo with the family, lovers, barkada, or by your lonesome self or eat in choice restaurants which abound to suit every taste and pleasure. It has become a go-to place for some rest and recreation or to relieve stress.

Wish that we had honest-to-goodness natural parks for that purpose. Business always finds a way of diluting our senses of fun, leisure, and pleasure. We stand helpless as government decides on the side of money and revenues. Plus the fact that we don't have much open land left for it after the huge buildings have been built.🤔 That's the downside of city life and living.

On the upside part of our mother-daughter date, I can say that lunch was scrumptious @Dean and Deluca. Malen's beef was tender and juicy although a wee bit spicy to my taste. My truffles pasta was savory with every bite.🍽😊

Feeling sated and content after that hearty meal, I ticked off quite a list of Thank You's in my mind to the wonderful guy upstairs🌷for the million-and-one things we often take for granted. Count in the wonderful weather, the fun and laughter in the car, the music played which accompanied the long drive, the beautiful sky above, and the gift of family. The gift of a daughter's love♥️🌷

DO NOT PRETEND TO BE STRONG

 

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Cruised down the TV channels this early morning and stumbled on this program of Bo Sanchez of the Kerygma community. Many things he said but one line caught my attention......

"Do not pretend to be strong"

What he meant was not to choose to be alone in your misery. Reach out and connect, seek help. Prayer is fine but God also sends out helpers to help you.

Then again here's also from other preachers who say "Be strong" with such conviction.
But then.......

'pretending to be strong' and 'being strong' are two things different. Right?

Made me think....

We know that 'pretending to be someone or something which you are not and don't feel' won't get you anywhere. We know that. But still some do dip their fingers into that sea hoping that they would catch tons of fish for themselves. The fact is the sea of pretense and falsehood is what it is... false. Whatever you build or create out of falsehood stands on flimsy foundation. As a result... relationships crumble, trust is destroyed, businesses flounder, respect disintegrates, love demolished without any thought. Nothing is real or lasting nor enduring. And you'll find yourself so much more alone that you ever planned to be.

Being strong is who you are when in-spite of bad fortune and bad relationships, you stand with both feet on firm ground unafraid, authentic and true. You make choices which lead you to a better life, help you heal, take you to higher ground of accomplishment, lead you to new doors of opportunities, and connect with people who truly care and love you. Being strong is knowing your own weaknesses and strength and working on that which helps you grow, progress, and mature. Being strong is deciding to live life on your own terms and not those dictated or imposed upon you by anyone or by some dire circumstance. Being strong is being you..... by divine design. And that makes God truly happy and proud.

By the way, if and when in your life you go through some difficulty, big or small, just say this with your heart ---- "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength". (I should know because I have tried it often and it works all the time)😇

God bless you, friends. Remember you are never alone. Never🌹 And remember also to be kind. Pay kindness forward.

GRATITUDE TRANSFORMS HOW YOU LOOK AT LIFE, PEOPLE, THE WORLD

-- Gratitude is such a feel-good-feeling from the top of your head down to the soles of your feet. It transforms how you look at people, things, experiences, the bigger world outside big and small. It lends fresh enlightenment and understanding on how every part and speck of creation tangible and intangible fits into the bigger tapestry of life and how it shapes your own tiny world.

'Thank you'. It's a wonderful word. Say it often. Specially to the BIG GUY upstairs.

And yes, thank you for dropping by my page. God bless you.  

SOMETIMES I WOULD LOOK UP FOR NO REASON

 

--- Sometimes I would look up for no reason. More often than not I get pretty good surprises. Like this massive tree with its branches spread out wide making such interesting images against the sky. It took my breath away. 😙😚😗

(This photo was taken by daughter with her phone-cam while we waited for our ride outside the gates of the Pink Sisters Convent)🌷

YOU MATTER - DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU DIFFERENTLY

 

- Saw this in a flower shop... it stood out from all the rest. In spite of the others ablaze in brilliant colors, this stood out in its awesome simplicity.🌷

Sometimes it's the same with people. While others huff-and-puff so hard to make an impression, someone just shines thru as it stands confident and sure in its own true worth...and yet humbly so.

You matter. Maybe quite flawed and imperfect as the rest of the world or humanity is... but you matter. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Don't let people bully you into thinking you're not enough. Of course, you have your own personal glitches in character and personality, so what? So does everybody else. They who think they're perfect and have it all is and are just a tiny box in this huge tapestry of life and living. They're there for a reason, too, which Somebody up there alone knows.

Meantime, be that wonderful person God created. Fill up your space with beauty... love... joy... positivity. Use this to connect with equally wonderful people around you and to the bigger world outside.

Shine with your light. While you're at it, help make the world - our world - a better place

God bless you

BLOOM AND GROW WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED

That's our pet dog LuckyB, one of two in our home. Adorable actually, loves chest rubs.😙Fiercely protective of his family. And loves bread..

Bloom where you are planted. -- Not everybody may be given grand or perfect lives. I think that's for a divine reason. Imagine a world of perfection...no growth, challenges, experiences, adventure, surprises. Neither would there be the I-ME-MY-MINE of life and living. Disappointing, won't it be? It would just be all the same... bland and boring. Yup, everybody is like you and you are like everybody else. No diversity of thrills and achievement.

I've read somewhere that we are not supposed to aim for perfection. There is none on the planet. But there is this..... excellence!

The essence of life is to be the best you can be with who you are-what you are blessed with in talent and skill. There is no excuse for being so-so. I believe that God gave man his talent for a purpose. The trouble is we tend to ignore our own potential and gifts. At the same time admiring those who bring out theirs.

There is a diversity of talent showered on people. Everybody. None exempted. Believe it. Rich or poor, young or old, schooled or not, whatever your race..color..or creed, good people or bad people. Yes, the latter have it too. God does not discriminate.

But it's all up to us what to do with it. Right, it's a choice.

I believe that God didn't put us in this place, individually or collectively, just to live mediocre lives. Mediocre meaning -- of only ordinary or moderate quality; neither good nor bad; barely adequate: Neither did He give us our gifts just to hoard it or keep it inside. Nope, that's not the plan.

His intent is two-fold as I understand it to be. First, is using those talents to serve our needs, growth, and development. Secondly, is using those talents to serve others with - to encourage, to help, inspire, comfort, to bless. We are one even if we live individually and separately.

So how do we do that?

Talents differ. We can be.... kind, respectful, hardworking, generous, compassionate, thoughtful, giving, considerate, persevering, courageous, strong, friendly, supportive, loving, does not discriminate, unbiased, positive towards life, defender of the weak, creative, of shining faith and hope, fair and just, caring towards people and nature,... and so .. so much more. You may even surprise yourself.

Giving more or being more is your gift. Honoring and serving your gift with the best you can be with it is... excellence.

Bloom and Grow where you are planted.

God bless you with so much more beyond measure.

REST THE SOUL -- EVEN IF JUST FOR AWHILE

 

--- That's a beautiful place there, isn't it? In its bigger picture I could see the perfect balance of green.. water.. mountain.. and sky. Unfortunately I couldn't bring that here in its perfection.

But it's a place like this which takes us away from the cares and woes of our much troubled world. Even if just for awhile. Rest the soul, so to speak.

Because just like you, I too get weary with all the rumblings and grumblings of our times. Everybody seems right, everybody seems wrong. But in the end, history will tell us who was right or who was wrong. Meantime, we lend our voices to the issues whichever our hearts and conscience dictate creating history, too, with the roles that we take.

Let's just make sure that good must prevail. Under no circumstances should it be coerced.. bought.. fooled.. replaced.. pushed to the sidelines. Our world will survive with good in it. It will fracture under the weight of evil and its forms if this be allowed to reign. The choice is ours to make. To save the world..or..to damn it. Choose well.

But take time to rest, my dear friends. Savor the beauty of nature (here or in real time) -- gifts from above to rest our mind, heart, body, and soul.

God bless you.🌹💖🎶

IT'S THE ACTION, NOT THE FRUIT OF THE ACTION, THAT'S IMPORTANT

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Was sitting by the window watching the activity out on the street. An elderly woman was berating a child. I could see from the kid's face that she was hurt bad by the mean words heaped on her. Gosh, why can't the woman be more kinder to the child?! That image stuck to my mind long after they had passed my view. Peculiarly, thoughts came streaming down my mind but this one stood out the most, written some years ago.......
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""I was reading the book 'Chicken Soup...' (Jack Canfield & Mark Victor Hansen) and this got my attention. Beautiful lines, I must say. Allow me to quote......
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..."It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result." ---- Gandhi
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The quote wrapped up a beautiful article with this title --- 'PRACTICE RANDOM KINDNESS AND SENSELESS ACTS OF BEAUTY'. (by Adair Lara) I suggest that you include this in your list of must-read books. It's a gem.
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Random kindness could be a warm smile given the cashier behind the counter.... helping pick up groceries that dropped to the floor from an old lady's shopping cart..... offer up a snack to the cable guy who comes over to fix your cable lines under the relentless hot summer sun.... and many more we can do for people and also to our four-legged friends.
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Let me tell you this story.......
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I was at a department store and was finished with my shopping as I lined up for my turn at the cashier. I noticed that the cashier seemed weary and tense and bit her lip at some points in every transaction. 'Must be having a hard day.' I thought to myself. But every time she pursed her lip a dimple surfaced at the corners of her mouth. Pretty but it was an on-and-off show. Then my turn came and I paid for my items. While she was making change I remarked smilingly ...
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'That's a pretty dimple you have there, young lady. You remind me of my mom when she smiles."
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She looked at me apparently surprised but only for a minute. Because out burst forth one of the prettiest smiles I have ever seen in that store that afternoon! 😊🌹👍""

YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO YOUR DOG

When dog and its human hug… 🤗💖

Humans have a lot going on for them …. Job, career, travel, hobby, recreation, book, movies, clothes, gadgets, vacations, house and home, family and relationships, goals and dreams. Plus many others more he can create himself. 

Your pet dog does not have all these. All he has is ---- you. You are his morning, noon, and night. You are his world. You are his life. Each day of his life (about 12 canine years) revolve around you. He adores you with hugs and dog kisses and doggie eyes. Follows you around the house. Obeys your every command, except in his playful moods which is every day! Protects you from strangers with a growl.. the fiercest, at least this side of town. He senses your every mood and feels your feelings, too. My Maxie, in my solitary moments, would jump up the sofa and sit so close to me placing her head on my lap. It never fails; love is the healing balm to the soul. And dogs know how to give it. Sometimes I think dogs are angels in disguise.

Your pet dog looks up to you for tons of love, care and affection.. for protection from harm.. for comfort in times of sickness.. for food when hungry.. for a nice warm bath whenever he’s dirty.. for company when he’s feeling lonely, too. You’ll never know just how precious your hug or petting means. When you bring in a dog into your home, he now becomes family.

You – yes ordinary puny human being you – mean the world to her. Sabi nila baligtarin mo ang 'dog'.. g-o-d.

Now you know why.
🌹💖