OUR BEST TO SELF AND OUT TO THE WORLD

I'm bringing a wonderful quote here. It's a good one and I think we should be taking it seriously if we are to survive this century and those still coming.

Here it is.....  

"The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, 

but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." 

(Alvin Toffler)

 

LEARN -- UNLEARN -- RELEARN. That's what life is all about. We don't stop learning because we have finished with school with certificates hanging up on the wall to prove it ...or that we are the best in our chosen field ...or that people look up to us for our brilliance and wit. When we stop learning everything else which we may have gathered or acquired or achieved fall into a dead-end.. become irrelevant as new knowledge begin to replace it.. go stale as its time begins to pass.. diminish as muscles atrophy when allowed to remain still for a longer period of time.

We are not here to gather big mansions, bank rolls, flashing cars, trophies and titles although those are not bad in themselves because they are part of essential dreams or goals and can be blessings too. But life does not end there nor is it everything about life.

It's not what we get from life or for ourselves..... but rather what we give to life which makes this whole business of living truly magnificent. That can be achieved by continuously working on self for a better 'you'. We get the best from life -- the things which truly matter -- when we give it our best as a person within and without.

We do this by working hard at LEARNING new things -- UNLEARNING those which no longer serve a better purpose -- RELEARNING old things which we may have missed or neglected because we didn't pay it much attention the first time.

Life, as mother once said, is one big university .... and we its students. Learning is a lifelong activity and everyday has its lesson ready for us to learn. We are tasked to grow, to develop, to mature, to progress. The big goal is to become our authentic best so that we can give better or best out to the world. That, by the way, is by God's design.

Have a lovely day, everyone. Be blessed... and stay blessed... and bless others with it.

AVAILABILITY - PRECIOUS BEYOND MEASURE

While waiting for my daughter to bring in our order I sat at our chosen table far from the crowd as usual and looked around me. Yes you guessed it right.... 'people watching'.  One of several ways I get my learning.

Oh it's the usual crowd of families, noisy kids, lonesome selves, the young and the not-so-young. My attention was drawn to a mother with her two kids three tables away from where I was sitting. She looked frantic giving instructions on the cellphone to an employee who seemed to have screwed up something at the office. That much I gathered. Meantime, her two little girls were pulling at her sleeve trying to call her attention to spaghetti sauce spilled on their dresses. She did see but carried on with her tirade on the phone. Well, to make a long story short, the mother fuming mad over the spill and the office fiasco pulled her girls out of their chairs and stormed out of the store probably headed for home.  I would presume that wasn't the last they, the kids and the erring employee, would be hearing from her that day.

Anyway.....

this brought back memories of my working-mom days long ago.... and a short piece I wrote in the blog back then. It went something like this.....

AVAILABILITY – IT’S A CHOICE

I remember when my three daughters were just perky kids running here and there all over the house and I, a working mom, was working my butt off at the office, there were days when the maid would call me up and tell me that one of the kids was running a fever or the other wasn’t eating her food, or the youngest won’t go to school.

Well, in matters of illness, I’d have no second thoughts about rushing home. My
boss would have to put up with that one, like it or not. Other than that, I’d have
the maid bring the errant little one to the phone and we’d talk. In this instance, the naughty little angel would spill her heart out in an endless chatter only a mother would understand. I’d be there glued to my seat listening while the clock ticked off the minutes like a taxi meter. Yet it was worth it all. I knew she felt better when the conversation finally ended. So did I.

I wasn’t trained to be a mother; no woman is ever prepared to become one. Even if you have seen your mother, aunts, grandmother, and lady friends do it… it’s never until you are in it yourself that you learn.

But the one great lesson I have learned is this --- be available. No matter if you’re late in the night preparing reports for a sales meeting the following morning, when she comes to you for whatever reason – stop what you’re doing, listen and be with her. She’s the number one person in your life --- so let her know it! Let her know how much precious she is to you. That she is your universe. That she makes your world spin happily. Because she is and she does!

In my case, with three daughters, that point is well taken. They know that they are my life -- that they are God's gift to me... that because of them I am one frantic, frenetic basket of frazzled nerves, with a dried-up purse but definitely a happy contented working mom!! Just won’t have it any other way. But of course it won't harm if I had a big fat pay check too to go with that.

You can’t be Perfect Mom, but you can be Available Mom! It's just a matter of
choice. And a choice like that is certainly perfect, no matter how you look at it.

-End-

Love your family;  love your children.
Money is never a substitute for them.
They're God's gift to you.
God bless you and your precious family.
Have a blessed day, folks!

THE FRIENDS LIST

Something to think about this morning - - -

The Friends List in Facebook

A good friend is trimming down her list for reasons of her own and, if you think hard about those reasons, it does make a lot of sense. At least she is being honest and true to herself. It is hard to carry on with something quite unclear or shall we state it bluntly which in truth has become a one-way street and not a two-way avenue as originally meant to be on this site or any other similar sites.

There are mixed responses to the Friends List with each his or her own view or reason for having it or not having it.... and boy! to many here all of the 600 to 1000 and even more. I have a good number in my box and now brought down to just about a few and I believe it will go down some more as the need arises or as life dictates it. Can you imagine hanging on to all of your 1000-and-still counting!? The box will explode and so will you as you try to keep tabs with each one on that list! All friendships in fb begin from 'Add friend to...'. From that you move on to forever friends -- sometimes friends -- forgotten friends -- Here-Today-Gone-Tomorrow friends. The choice, by the way, is all up to you. But it always takes two to tango, as in most things in life are.

Good friends and friendships are treasures, one of many that we have and enjoy in life. But even on this turf there are also rules and expectations which help keep it alive and vibrant. One and essential is .. active communication. That by itself alone nurtures friendships of any kind, near or far. In the absence of it, the friendship withers away and eventually dies. But as we all know life is a difficult taskmaster ... it imposes its mind on us puny humans. It gets what it wants. We simply follow, even if we think we are doing what we want. So often we find ourselves taken into different directions, goals, settings and experiences, like it or not. So that is life.

The whole point of this story is ....  keep close friends close if possible and those who have to be far from you although not always or necessarily by choice ---  set them free, let them continue with their journey to their own respective destinies or as life dictates to them. You will know when they're gone... when you no longer have the usual communication with them (months or years of prolonged silence or inactivity is an indication). I mean do not hold them back unnecessarily by keeping them on your friends list indefinitely that they would become quite uncomfortable knowing that they have neglected in some measure the friendship without notice. And as for you who have been trimmed off someone's Friend List, don't feel so bad instead be relieved and grateful because you have been saved from being honest about that one certain omission. Yes, I know, honesty is not always easy in some cases. But we're not children here playing with this toy. We are mature adults being responsible with our toys.

Set them free .. from your Friends List. Let's be open-minded about this. Doing that does not have to mean that the ties are being severed (except for some necessary odd cases). It only means that --- you understand and that the friendship is still kept in the heart where true friendships truly reside. And when one day he or she will return and reconnects with you... welcome it and rejoice. Even if that person would leave again, it's still okay. Then you would know that this friendship stood strong through the test of time, Friends List or no Friends List. Isn't that what true friendship is all about?

Life is better lived being true to yourself.
The same thing goes in friendships.
Blessings, everyone.

DISCOVERY AND THINKING ARE CLOSE COUSINS

A friend once quipped quite snootily I must say.. 'I see what you see, so what's the big deal?' -- Funny, if I hadn't remembered what Mom said to me long ago.. that person would have received a good verbal smack down from this ole little lady here that he'd wish he had kept his mouth shut... or... better resolve to make learning his quest henceforth. Kidding, of course!  I know.. we know .. that he just didn't understand. I have learned through life that much of knowledge and wisdom would simply pass you by if you don't learn to stop and look and listen. It's what you do with the information presented to you which makes the true mark. When you do that.. it becomes yours. But as in all blessings, make sure to pay it forward so that others may share in that blessing too. Because that matters.

'No two people are alike;  different folks - different strokes.' That's what Mom would always say. So let people say what they want. Because simply said  -- 'you catch a fish by its mouth' ... wisdom or ignorance reveals itself when a person begins to talk. Whenever good lessons are sent us by the Divine, we are expected to -- learn, process, internalize, probe, understand, toss it in our minds, and wrap it 'round our hearts. Because, by God's design, the goal is to grow in mind, heart, and spirit. And that is a big deal!

Here's a wonderful quote that sums it all up in one good bite.....

"Discovery consists of seeing what everyone has seen

and thinking what no one has thought."

(Eden Philpotte, England)

 Discover.. learn.. grow.. enjoy.. and thank God.
Blessings, everyone. Enjoy your lovely weekend.

TOSSED INTO THE SAME BOX

"Never be too proud of who you are and what position you hold

because after a game of chess

the king and the pawns are tossed into the same box."

(Author Unknown)

Well, that sure clipped the air-bag wings of my young friend... Yup, an air-bag! Mahangin; ka-irita. But casting irritation aside, I think I can understand the little fella.

You see, a lot of history, perhaps in great measure negatively, went into that person which now created who he is. Everybody has a story, everybody is a story. Your history is you. What happens to you... how people affected or influenced you.. your reactions to situations, things, places, people.. your successes and failures.. your impressions, preferences, choices and decisions, perceptions, beliefs, fears, expectations, frustrations, bias and prejudices, pet peeves, etc. All these make up or contribute to the person that you are. You are a little bit of this and a little bit of that.

To this my other friend quipped  'Well then, I'll say that there are no bad people - just bad personal stories or histories..'  That certainly is one to think about.

I remember it said -- God created us good; He doesn't make junk. So if we turn out jerks in life --- that is something we do to ourselves.

Hope you're all having a pleasant week. Blessings!

WHEN I SEE PEOPLE - I SEE STORIES

"Whatever we perceive in the world around us reflects who we are and what we care about most deeply, as in the old saying..... 'When a thief sees a saint, all he sees are his pockets."  --  Robert Frager (USA)

I find that quite intriguing and interestingly played in a gathering of humanoids whatever the occasion may be. On this particular day my daughter and I were at a fast-food store in a mall just some minutes away from the house. While my daughter was at the queue waiting for her turn to be served, I sat at our chosen table in a corner far from the maddening crowd. Noise of any kind is undoubtedly an irritant but unfortunately that word is synonymous to mall. So there!

And now for the people......

- a woman raised her eyebrows on seeing a lady walk past her table with an attractive LV bag in her arm
- an old man frowning at the misbehaving kids in the next table
- a middle-aged woman on seeing a young man sit at the table across hers slowly yet seriously slid her handbag down to her lap
- a man with silver hair smiled through his meal apparently enjoying his time and the crowd
- an old lady with a wistful look in her eyes gazing at the happy family two tables away
- a group of teenagers still in their school uniforms having fun at their table... while one of them smiles shyly while stealing glances at the cute boy sitting opposite her
- a middle-aged couple just sitting there while waiting for their order... not talking, not looking at each other, no spark in their eyes, zombies if you ask me
- and this woman with chin cupped in her hand and looking outside the door her thoughts seemingly far away

Ah yes, when I see people..... I see stories.
And then I write.

It's a big wide world out there -- What do you see? or how do you see it?

YOU CAN NEVER RUN SHORT OF DOING GOOD

If there is something you want to do, some good, but unfortunately for some reason or another beyond your control you can't. Don't lose heart. There is still something that you can do. And that is to . . . . let God.

I say -- 'LET GOD'! -- There can't be anything in this world, below or above it that can be greater than God. He reigns above all.

He can handle anything you may bring to His attention in prayer. Oh yes, He can handle anything. So don't make Him small in your mind or heart. He is a BIG GOD. We are puny creatures in His hands yet He considers us so special that He listens to us like a father dotes on his children. We are His children... no matter who we are or what we are warts and all. He knows... He understands... He is merciful... He always forgives... He cares... He loves.

Let God. Let Him be God in your life..... in other people's lives..... in that person's life you are praying for. Let God ... and the world of miracles will open up to you and to anyone you lead His light and grace to.

Let God.

God bless you all. Have a blessed day.

WORRY EMPTIES TODAY OF ITS STRENGTH

 

Life is such that it can be so wearying.. exhausting.. terrifying.. overwhelming and if you haven't learned to arm yourself against it... it will tear you down to pieces dash you to the ground quite easily. And that worries us. A lot! Indeed we worry about the slightest thing imagined or real that comes crashing through our doors. We steadily worry ourselves to unhappiness - sickness - desperation -- depression.. etc. etc. Geezz... writing about that already makes me feel so exhausted!

Here's a very nice piece I have found in my files last night. A nice one on Positive Energy written by arts4piece at MindSay, year 2006. Yes, I have kept it all of this time to serve as a reminder each time I'm feeling so worry wart-blue.

It may seem long but it's only about 300+ words... very important words. Take a few minutes to read it and you'll be glad you did. Some things no matter if we know them already need to be learned and relearned again and again.

To quote.....

      STOP THE WORRY TRAIN AND LET ME OFF!

"Energy is what runs this universe.....positive energy and negative energy.  The main energy source will bring to you the focus of your energy.  So, if finance is your area of need, focus on living in the lap of abundance.  Do not worry that there is no money for the car payment or next month's rent.  Put your positive energy into seeing the rent paid six months ahead, and "see" the clear car title in your hands.  The universe will give you the object of your focused energies.
 
Now, I'm not suggesting that you quit your job and sit back and focus positive thoughts on getting rich overnight.  Not the point at all.  But if you trust and believe that you are a child of God who created this vast universe, and who is the energy source for all that exists, and that your desires once released into the ether waves to be heard by all his emissaries, become the desires of the universal energy, you will learn to focus on what it is you DO want, not what you don't want.
 
Worry is a huge waste of energy.  It actually causes harm.  It is negative energy that mucks up the whole works.  You have so much power within you.....power to create just what it is you desire.  All you have to do is realize from whence that power comes, make a positive connection with it, believe in it, then trust in it, and start making it work for you.
 
Your thoughts are REAL, and they are just as powerful as hard physical labor.  If you think so long as you don't say negative hateful thoughts out loud, you've done no harm, you are not only fooling yourself, you are harming everyone. Negative thoughts actually lower the vibration of the universe.  Your thoughts are as real as the space where these words go when I push that "publish entry" button. 
 
Ever thought about that?  Where your words go when you do this blogging?  That same energy that takes your words where you want them to go takes your thoughts and stores them forever. 
 
Be mindful of your thought processes.  They carry great power."           

-- Unquote

God bless you!

SHINE WITH YOUR LIGHT

I liked this right after having stumbled upon it in a book recently. Just had to bring it here so that I could come back to it again and again. To quote -

"Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!"  -- Anne Frank (Germany)

Unquote.

I think that's a good reminder of who we are. We are not meant to live mediocre lives but were meant to live outstanding lives. We are each given a talent by which God expects us to put to good use. And this putting to good use should not only benefit the self but should contribute to the well-being of the other or others. I think that is just what we are supposed to do.

We were designed for a life that should shine with who we are with our God-given talents. To shine does not necessarily have to mean being on the center stage of achievement or drama or grandiose trappings or show. That could be nice but isn't the only way. I believe that there are a diversity of ways to shine as there are many different talents God has poured upon each and every person.

Here's another quote I like too:

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."  -- Romans 12:6-8

The trick I believe is to discover what yours is. Because truly you can be great, you can love amazingly, you can accomplish wonderful things, and you definitely have potential. That, incidentally, is by God's design.

So shine with your light.

MIRACLES EVERYDAY

-------------------
Thich Nhat Hanh (Vietnam) said this about miracles..............

"I like to walk alone on country paths, rice plants and wild grasses on both sides, putting each foot down on the earth in mindfulness, knowing that I walk on the wondrous earth. In such moments, existence is a miraculous and mysterious reality. People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is....... to walk on earth. Everyday we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize:  a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black curious eyes of a child - our own two eyes. All is a miracle."  --     (Unquote)

Nothing more or much can be added to that. Oh but yes, one more thing if I may  ..... you, him, her, them, others more, and lil' ole me are miracles too! Looks like we got a lot to be thankful for to Someone up there. Let's start thanking. Miracles everyday.

Blessings everyone! Stay blessed. Be a blessing.

BELIEVE IN PRAYER

http://www.meetmeinthemeadow.com/2013/05/prayer-3/ 

Honestly, I'm a believer in prayer. It's not the traditional kind of prayer others may be expecting but it's one which my God and I share ... akin to a chat... heart to heart, mind to mind, like a child to a father --- a supreme all-knowing merciful forgiving loving Divine Father. Sometimes it may be just a sigh.. a tear.. a whisper.. a silent plea... an ardent please... or simply the stillness of the soul connecting to the Master. I remember long ago as a kid asking God to spank little Stephen because he broke my favorite toy (nagsusumbong). Or a happy simple grateful 'thank you, daddy'.

Try prayer, it works all the time. You can't have a better listener than God our Father. And how He answers!!! It can blow your mind away! Make prayer a habit. God simply waits to hear from you.

May God bless you with peace, joy, love, and faith.

MAKE TODAY COUNT

One day I woke up in the morning with this strange feeling of....    Ohhhh there's so much to do.... What am I doing! I should be doing this (or that) ..... Time flies; gotta hurry or I'll be running out of time ..... Nothing's happening - can you believe that?! Nothing's happening! .... This doesn't seem to work; so what will??!! .....

When I told my best friend about this on the phone, she simply brushed it aside in one clean sweep with this quote...........

"Think not of the amount to be accomplished, the difficulties to be overcome, but set earnestly at the little task near your elbow, letting that be sufficient for the day;  for surely our plain duty is not to see what lies dimly at a distance but to do what lies clearly at hand." ----- Lifted from  'A Way Of Life'. Sir William Osler's speech to the students of Yale University

But what put me back safe and sane on the ground once more was this precious wisdom I remembered from the Book.............

Jesus said...

"So don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough worries of its own."  ----- Matthew 6:34

So, people, the next time you get into this same kind of frenzy look into the mirror, take a deep breath, and say... 'Today is what you have...  tomorrow has yet to come. Make TODAY count.'   And swiftly shall  peace, love, and happiness be restored in your spirit.

Okay, folks, be seeing you around;  got this something to do in a bit. Small stuff but I think it would be great to do it. Bye for now. Blessings!

KNOW YOURSELF

Saw this in a book I was reading recently, to quote..... 

"In ancient Greece, those who sought the advice of the famous oracle at Delphi were greeted by a simple inscription above the entrance:  'Know Yourself'. It was a reminder that as well as seeking the counsel of others we must also look inward at what is going on in our bodies, our feelings, and our minds. By truly understanding ourselves we become our own surest guides."   -- (1001 Pearls of Wisdom, David Ross, published by Chronicle Books)

We go to great lengths in trying to understand people but nary a glance at trying to know ourselves better. Because we think that we already do. But do we really? It's not just about knowing your likes, dislikes, preferences, comfort zones, stuff which you perceive to be you and through which others may see you or interact with too. I believe there is far more than what goes on at the surface of our lives or persons.

The inner self or the core of which we are asked to seek out lies there within us just waiting ... placed there by Someone who meant it for our greater and better good. By God's design. When we find it only then perhaps can we truly say -- " I know me". And the miracles you were wishing for begin to happen.

My own search continues. Good luck to yours.