THE BLESSINGS OF JUNE

Soon the month of June comes to its close, I would like to put in here one more post (or maybe two more) before we wrap up blog posts for the month and resume anew in July.

I consider June as one of my most memorable months this year. Of course for very obvious reasons that being my birthday month. But there's more. Amazingly from the very first day of June blessings started pouring in .... coming in different shapes, sizes, activities, people, and new learning. A bouquet of gorgeous flowers. Plus a couture cake Hm-mm..! My pretty new night light. A thoughtful and memorable greeting banner in the living room wall. A tote bag in the perfect size, shape, and color. And a huge luxurious treat from all three daughters with a sumptuous dinner prepared by them too,with my future-son-in-law. Bless friends who sent thoughtful text messages to my phone, lovely greetings on my facebook page, and beautiful e-cards online. And too, the blog has received wonderful insights perceptions and comments from friends and readers. So much learned from there and for which I sincerely thank everyone who visited and shared their beautiful thoughts. And for which I thank our wonderful God up there who pours out blessings in great measure.

Further.....

It helps to understand that everybody grows old and even more to be enlightened that growing old should not much involve the length and width of body but rather the height and might of your heart and mind. You are only as old (or young) as you feel and think. Learn to seek out worthy things in your every hour everyday, and with every person you meet or every experience. It's all there just waiting to be discovered. But for the untrained and uninformed eye those things will simply pass you by. Never take things for granted, no matter how minute or insignificant they may appear to you. Sometimes great things come wrapped in small ordinary packages. Accept differences; respect where it comes from. Learn to sit quietly and listen for the sound of life. Let it touch you and fill you with deep gratitude for this precious profound gift. Remember to say 'thank you' to the One above from Whom all good things come.

:-) Happy Birthday to all celebrating their milestones this month of June. Celebrate it! - No ifs or buts!! Be happy and stay happy! Be blessed -- and stay blessed!

WHERE DOES THIS EMPTINESS COME FROM

You can't blame others for your lonely life .... or blame things. Lonely comes from something within rather than without. You can't say you were not given a chance or a break to make life better for yourself. Because no one else can give that to you.. but you. Broken marriages, wayward children, tough luck, difficult struggles, jerks -- these don't just happen. It comes from somewhere. How do you deal with it? And before you point the finger on something outside of yourself, you better try looking inward. That's where everything starts.

It's an empty life when all you ever did was care for your own desires, wants, dreams, goals. Oh don't get me wrong, those things are fine -- essentials to living. But vigorously staying in it and closing your life to the rest of what life is all about is not going to get you there satisfied content and happy. If all you ever did was you, you will wake up one day alone, lonely and empty. Ask yourself then where does this emptiness come from?

LIVE FROM YOUR HEART

"What comes from the heart..... touches the heart." (Unquote)

This is how we should try to live life -- connect from one heart to another. Life is too short to put up so many barriers, walls, divides.

What are you protecting yourself from? Why be afraid of what's out there or of what life can do to you? We already know that, don't we? So why behave like we don't? It's not a perfect world, certainly not a bed of roses. In fact, I got bashed and pushed around so much that I've got scars for it. No prize but scars -- but who cares. The only way to experience life is to get down on the ground and get dirty. You'll cry, fume mad, grit your teeth, curse the heavens, and hate the day you were born. And that's good. Why? Because you are living that's why. That is life. How else can you live life but through life.

But it's not all bad because in-between the hurts and pains or sometimes traveling alongside it is --- joy, wonder, awe, sweet expectations, excitement, fun and funny, tingling thrills, magic and miracles. And these are hand-born by great experiences, events, things, places, and people. These and more like it come to bless you. Realize.. be glad and grateful that 'thorns have roses' too. :-) And lest you forget, know that you are not alone because others more are going through the same things that you do. We all stand connected some way or another. By God's design.

Reach out. It's a wonderful world out there! Not perfect but wonderful.

ESSENCE VS FORM

"Appearances are just what they are -- face value appearance. The real living happens in the essence." (Unquote)

I'd go for the person who when he opens his mouth makes sense. An elaborately clad individual will catch my interest in fashion, style, and trends maybe, but that's as far as it goes. Because in life and living, it's essence not form that matters where it should matter most.

We seem to have lost sight of this. The media and business isn't any help either because their goal is to make us want to copy, acquire, possess, and purchase. Not that am against that, has its uses. In fact, I surely would love a lappy myself to make the writing and blogging easier and convenient anywhere I go. Lols! One that fits into my tote bag, that is.

But surely it's not the end-all of our existence. If our happiness and enjoyment depends solely on acquisitions or the impression it generates, something must be askew with us somewhere. We should know ourselves better than that.

Honestly, it's who we are and not what we wear or possess which makes the bigger impression. Essence, not form. All other things fade with time --- except this. We are who we are till the end of our life journey. Make that count.

BLESSINGS AND BIRTHDAYS -- IT'S ALL GOOD

Life is meaningless only if we allow it to be. Each of us has the power to give life meaning, to make our time and our bodies and our words into instruments of love and hope. --- Unquote.

Today's my birthday and I planned it to be a quiet one. Last night while lying in bed I waited the few minutes ticking away slowly drawing me closer to my special day. And as I lay there with what seemed an eternity, I began counting blessings with the tick-tockin' of the hands of the wall clock.

Blessings. Because there were many -- seen and unseen, felt and sometimes not, understood and again not -- running through the years of my existence. Blessings come in different shapes sizes temperament and content but all good. Maybe some of that didn't answer my silent wishes and maybe some served more to make others happy rather than me to whom it was given. But no matter. It's still good.

All blessings of past, present, and future come from the hands of a magnificent God who knows how to give. Even if that means not giving us what we want but rather what He thinks we need.

This is my day and a meaningful one. Because here I stand with everything that I need and love and appreciate. Looking back to where I've come from and have been, I can say this to myself now --- it's all good! My cup runneth over with joy and love. A big hug and thanks to a wonderful God -- Father -- and Friend!!!

Now let's have a taste of those delicious-looking cakes there!!! Everybody's welcome to. :-)


(Pictures courtesy of a good friend)

THORNS HAVE ROSES TOO

"You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses." -- Ziggy

As I stood there under the heat of the blistering sun waiting for my ride, I couldn't help but curse summer. With sweat pouring down my back, the heat of the road bouncing up to my skin, my eyes hurting from the glare shining off from dozens of vehicles wheezing by past me -- what else could I be thinking of?!

Then I remembered ---- I had a fan in my tote bad, had my shades too, and my hankie scented with floral drops of cologne that I love. So I took them out... wore my shades and the glare bothered me no more. Fanned myself and the heat became bearable. Wiped off my sweat and which in effect left its scent behind glued to my skin... felt good. And then out of nowhere a gust of wind blew, so refreshing and most welcome. And like magic -- put back the smile on my face.

Oh summer can't be too bad ... not with a fan, sunglasses, hankie, and Mr. Wind.

KNOW YOURSELF

"Know yourself. Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful." --- (Ann Landers)

Now that is something we should look into, real hard. Puny mortals that we are, we tend to have such a blown-up importance of self.

We have to learn to go past these four words: "I" "Me" "Mine" "My". It does nothing but separate us from the other person. If we walk around with those four plastered all over our face, we'd be walking a lonely road deserted by other living two-legged creatures who can't stand the weight width and height of our ego.

Truth is, the only thing which really matters is not how we see ourselves nor how people see us.... but rather how God SEES us! So perhaps the big question that follows that is ---can we stand His divine gaze or scrutiny? Because like it or not, he is looking.

Honestly, we're all still a work in progress so there really is no reason for feeling so high and mighty wrapped up in our super egos. That doesn't count, buddy, not to the Big Guy up there. He doesn't care for beauty or intelligence or brilliance or wealth or position... or if your daddy is the king of Timbuktu wherever that is. But he would pay attention if he sees what we're trying to do with it or how we're using it for the greater number and better good. What we do to ourselves and to others are those things that truly make the mark.

Know yourself. Not an easy truth to take but it won't hurt to know. No it won't. Because in its nitty-gritty revelation lies your power.

THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE

A mother doesn't have all the solutions to life's problems. Nope. But she does have an observant eye..... an open mind..... and a heart that easily understands the whys and whatever for and why God sometimes is so slow or seems so busy at times.

How she gets all that? I don't know. I'm still trying to figure out how Mom got hers. But I think she was born with it. God put them in all mothers I suppose. Some use it, some don't, and a few just don't know how. :-)

(Above photo is the birthday treat for birthday girl Amchit.)

NO SUCH THING AS AN UNIMPORTANT DAY

"There is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day."
--- (Alexander Woollcott)

Do you believe that? Well, I do. Learned to. Even in an ordinary uneventful and blah or duh day, always something is happening or being created. The magic lies in every movement, every breath, every touch, every scent, every vision. But you have to see it. Sometimes learn how. Somebody said this ---- "A meaningless life or day is such only if we allow it to be." -----

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By the way, friends, here's a lovely poem shared with us by Sana/A New Beginning. She can't remember its author but never mind. I like it and am sure that you'll like it too. Here's why.....

DECIDING

Outside my window, a new day I see,
And only I can determine
What kind of day it will be.
It can be busy and sunny, laughing and gay,
Or boring and cold, unhappy and gray.

My own state of mind is the determining key,
For I am only the person I let myself be.

I can be thoughtful and do all I can to help,
Or be selfish and think just of myself.
I can enjoy what I do and make it seem fun,
Or gripe and complain and make it hard on someone.

I can be patient with those who may not understand
Or belittle and hurt them as much as I can.

But I have faith in myself,
And believe what I say
And I personally intend to make the most of each day.

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LIFE IS NOT ALL ABOUT YOU

I remember this from long ago when mom lectured an erring nephew - a total brat. ----

"Life is not all about you. The world does not center on you either. That's what babies do; they don't care about people but only that they are fed and nappies are changed. But fortunately babies grow and learn to connect with the world and everything in it. But not all; some turn out to be babies disguised as adults. When you remain in that mode of narcissism - that of being selfish, self-centered, self-absorbed - you will soon discover one day how lonely it is being alone. Because people can't and won't put up with such behavior. They may pretend to --- but not for long. So grow up!" ---------

TAKE A CHANCE

"Our lives improve only when we take chances -- and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves." (Walter Anderson) --------

That's a good one. Yet we tend to shy away from it fearing that we might hurt ourselves in that journey. C'mon, the road less traveled is just what it is -- a challenge, an adventure. Take a chance. Because those armed with a dream and have the courage to go that way will come to know its rewards. Will be rewarded! ----- You'll never know it until you try. :-)

I WILL BE HERE --- FOR YOU

And a simple poem below wraps it all up under one label --- GOD'S LOVE ... as revealed in the times of our lives.

When the day grows pale
And darkness draws near
Have no fear
I will be here
For you.

As a mother would to her child
A father to his son
A grandfather to his grandchild
A husband to his wife
A wife to her husband
A daughter to her mother
A sweetheart to his love
Or as a friend to another

We'll be together
I will be here
for YOU.
Forever.

--- God

BOTHER TO CARE

'Why bother?' I heard a friend say that only recently. And couldn't get my mind off those words. When he said that he was not in a friendly mood... to himself, that is. Apparently something was bothering him. So maybe in frustration or irritation he uttered those words out of despair or surrender. I didn't try to find out those reasons because I thought it best that he sort it out himself. Besides he didn't seem inclined to reveal or consult or as the usual get it off his chest... as most people would.

But I thought again.

I think those words are so mean and unkind and unfeeling. Insensitive. 'Why bother' is like putting up a huge wall - a barrier - to keep out the 'unwanted' into your own 'hallowed' ground. Oh it's true that people have problems and that we are to mind our own business, or so we're told, if we are to keep our turf sane and safe. But that's just the big problem. We've been doing that for so long that we now have lost touch with feelings, emotions that go through the heart and mind of another person... who happens to be a human being too.

But why should we not connect with that anymore. Isn't it that whatever pain the other person goes through is so much the same as ours.. maybe only packaged differently? When he hurts, we feel that hurt - are familiar with it too because we've been through the same things before or are going through something like it in the present.

You know what, not everybody is very good at hiding his or her pain or difficulty... although they would certainly try. But it shows on faces, in the eyes, in the drooping mouth, in the silence of unspoken words that speak loudly. You can easily see through it all. Doesn't need a brilliant mind to do that.

But you know something else more? It takes a human heart to bother to care and offer his helping hand to the other. It takes the best of a person to bother to take time to lift up a person when he's down in the dump. It takes a human being to care over another human being. So, bother... cos you'll never know when one day a person at the receiving end of your giving could be your own.


(Photo sent by a friend)

DON'T WAIT TO WISH THAT YOU HAD MORE TIME

On this particular late afternoon, I was playing with my dogs in the garage. Took out this piece of old sock and dangled it before Lucky and Buddy. They would crazily try to wrest it out of my hand. So we'd run round and round the garage -- me running with the old sock and them chasing me with happy determination. Happy! They love it when we do this every time. I'm loving it even more.

In trying to catch my breath I paused and allowed them to have the sock. It turns into a tug of war between the two canine beauties. And looking at their progress, it was apparent that the sock had no chance of surviving the battle as the two dogs wouldn't let go of their bite on each end of the poor old sock. But they both gave up soon after obviously tired out by the whole exercise. If the sock could talk, it probably would have said 'Pheww that was close!'.

I sat on the bench and looked out unto the street. Quiet and windy day. A most welcome relief after the sweltering heat of the past weeks. It must be nature hinting at the coming rainy season. Could be just around the bend. Why I'd throw a big party if only it would rain today!!

A nice big car came rolling down my street and seemed intent to go out the front gate if this guy on foot coming opposite him hadn't flagged him down which then caused the car to stop just off my front gate.. Apparently a friend. And I heard him say....

'Pare, may reunion sa bahay mamyang gabi. Dinner. Pupunta ang buong barkada. Punta ka ha!' (Hey pal, we're having a reunion with the rest of the gang tonight , dinner. Come, will ya!')

To this the friend behind the wheel replied.....

'Naku, pare, bising-bisi ako. May hahabuling reports sa opisina eh. Sorry na lang hah!' (Gee, got reports to finish at the office tonight. Got a deadline to catch. So sorry!)

Well, I didn't catch the rest of the conversation until the two parted ways. But what I heard got me to thinking. What are we doing with our time? Are we using it properly? On what things?

Time is precious and fragile. It comes and goes on a preset mode... steady. You can't change that nor rewind it nor try to slow it down nor quicken it up. It's steady... steadily flowing away... steadily rolling out... steadily ebbing... steadily moving on and forward ... just like the steady ticking of the wall clock.

And before we lose it, what are we going to do with our time?

We should make it matter. We should spend it wisely with people we love, things which enrich us, friendships which delight us, relationships which complete us, places which connect us in our hearts, events which bring out the best in us, activities which create good memories. These and other things more which truly put meaning into our mundane lives. We should make time for those. Enjoy the moment when it presents itself. Then it becomes even so much more meaningful and precious.

Don't wait to wish that you had more time. Find that time now.