IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO BE VERY GOOD

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Remember Mr. Quote Man? He sent me this quote this morning in email. ----- 

"It is not enough to be very good if you have the ability to be great." ---- (Alberta Lee Cox) "
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"Pwede na" -- is a Filipino expression said in a negative tone and meaning. It means 'that will do'. But that does not always have to mean it's the best job.... the best effort.... the best work.... the best performance.... the best idea.... the best plan.... It could mean that the person saying this may be simply so much in a hurry, has a deadline to catch, is impatient, is angry, doesn't care at all, or maybe -- just ordinary in his perceptions.
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The word mediocrity comes to mind. Mediocrity is defined as -- not very good, ordinary, average, middle-of-the-road, uninspired.
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"That will do" would reflect on the task performed, on the person who did it, and on the person evaluating it. As a friend said 'misery loves company' and further added that mediocrity plays on the same even playing field of incompetence and being ordinary.
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I saw this scene on local TV in a sitcom.... a mother chiding her daughter with this ------- 'Wag kang makuntento sa 'pwede na'. Alam kong merong kang ibubuga.'  - ('That will do' is not acceptable. Because you can be more!)
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Maybe we should teach our children to see themselves as .......... able to do so much more, able to be the best, able to shine bright and even brighter, and to believe in their own talents - skills - abilities - and potential.
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God does not create junk. Every living creation is special - two-legged or four-legged ... An obra maestra! There is no mediocrity in God's creation.
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It is only man who thinks himself less and small... when he is so much more, when he can be so much more! By God's design.

 (Thanks, Mr. Quote Man, for the quote.)

THERE ARE NO SMALL JOBS OR BIG JOBS. EXCELLENCE COVERS IT ALL.

 

You have seen this picture of the street sweeper before, so with the quote by Martin Luther King Jr. below; so have I many times. But it's something we need to be reminded of so often. We need to see this again and again and again until our eyes drop. Because we always forget. We consider life as a ... let me see..... a pizza pie! Oh yes... we crave for it, relish it, and then when sated forget about it. Then one other new day the craving comes back, again we indulge, and then forget about it... again!
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But Life is something else unlike a pizza pie.
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Life is so much more and it deserves even so much more from us. And that simply put means ---- hard work.. seriousness... dedication... diligence... brilliance... creative juices... intelligence... and whatever else a man would do with his best talent and all.
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Here's what I heard Mom say to my kid brother one day long ago; that day when he wasn't feeling in top form and the stuff he was supposed to finish didn't meet Mom's scrutiny. In short, tinatamad!
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---- "Don't allow this 'that will do'- attitude (in Tagalog.. 'pwede na') to take you down the steps of mediocrity. You can't and shouldn't be content with only a half-hearted effort or simply just about one-third of your energy or just put in a so-so performance. Nor leave a task hanging in mid-air just because you don't feel up to it. Be firm with yourself. Give it your best shot whatever the role you are made to play in life or asked to do at work or at play. Being mediocre isn't in God's dictionary. In fact, God created plenty of opportunities for you to become better or the best. No argument to that. So temper your moods with discipline. "
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Well, brother had it coming to him just because his inspiration suddenly fell flat. But he listened and went back to the task with firmer resolve. The story ended well and I learned much that day. There is no midway to excellence. Discipline will get you there. Mom was a stern teacher not only in her classrooms but much more in her home.
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There is no excuse for mediocrity. There are no small jobs or big jobs. Excellence covers it all. We are tasked to be......
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----- the best mother or father to our children ...the best son or daughter to our parents, the best teacher or student, CEO or a clerk, vendor, policeman or soldier, doctor or nurse, caregiver, maid or janitor, priest or a nun, journalist, composer, painter, writer or poet, businessman, carpenter or laborer, professor or scientist, messenger, busboy, waiter, saleslady, politician, or a friend. Or other roles and tasks life presents for us to do.
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Martin Luther King Jr. says it superbly.......... to quote
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"If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, --- 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well." ------ Unquote.
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God expects us to do a good job. Always. Blessings, everybody

LIFE IS NOT ALL ABOUT YOU

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August 18, 2017

Good morning, world! How’d you sleep last night? If you ever sleep! That is everybody knows that you carry problems on your shoulders 24/7. God created the world (that’s you) but man created its problems. That is correct, right?

A lot of things are happening in many parts of the world today…. Wars, violent protests, killings, arguments, uprisings, cruelty, racism, bullying, greed, blackmail, lies, and every other thing you can dump in that ugly category. All in small or greater measure. Individually or collectively. All serving one goal --- self destruction. And reasons for that come a-dozen fueled by the ego, pride, angst, a superiority complex, snobbery, mine is right and yours is wrong, that holier than thou feeling. Reasons may be diverse good or bad but we know that there is always a sensible way of settling issues or arguments (if we so choose and decide) without having to hurt ourselves and others.

I remember this ……. ‘Life isn’t all about you’ -- That’s a line in the movie “Doctor Strange”

It’s this mind frame of “I-Me-My-Mine” that seems to get in the way of doing good or greater things for the self or others. But always! --- Thoughts like ‘What’s in it for me’… ‘Who gets the credit’… ‘I deserve it’… ‘I’m bigger and better’… ‘I’m important’… ‘I should be first’…

A friend remarked some days ago that --- ‘we always do that to ourselves; admit it we often make that mistake. It’s a flaw but it should not remain a flaw. Sadly sometimes we don’t realize it until it becomes too late to save ourselves or repair it because damage has already been done.’

Unfortunately true.

Don’t think though that the I-Me-My-Mine of life and living is totally bad. If it were we won’t be getting from here to there in terms of self-growth and progress at all. It supports life goals, objectives, and dreams. But it has a limited time frame.

When all becomes sated or achieved... when contentment, happiness, and satisfaction rule, don’t stop there. That now is the cue to prepare yourself for another challenge --- of bringing all that you are (talents, skills, wisdom, expertise, knowledge, insights, experience, training, goodness, kindness, compassion, positivity, etc.) into service and on to the bigger world outside. The bigger world of people who may have the same dreams and goals like you but perhaps may not know where to begin. You could probably help, right?

That, incidentally, is how God wants it. We all stand connected.

Have a blessed day, folks! God bless you

MOTHERS/PARENTS AND CHILDREN

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It's been days since my last post, right? Been busy with day to day stuff. Would have gone on that way indefinitely if a friend and former colleague at work hadn't called up. It was a simple Hi-and-Hello sort of thing. We talked about the good ole' days at work; shared memories on that. Then the chat moved to the present time and she talked about family and children. Without meaning to, the chat changed tone a bit. She seemed sad talking about her children now all grown-up. I didn't pry but just let her talk her heart out. It seemed like she needed to vent out things; maybe just wanted a listening ear. 

To cut a long story short, I'm bringing back an interesting article shared here a few years ago. It was written by Nicky Hamid. Maybe this will shed light into a particular concern which parents, particularly mothers, commonly have difficulty dealing with. Well, maybe not all perhaps but many. 

Here's the piece.....
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To quote:

YOUR CHILDREN ARE NOT YOUR CHILDREN

Your children’s path is their own to walk, not yours. And no matter how hard you try you cannot go there. If you choose to tie your happiness to your children's behavior you are destined for continuous disappointment. It has not been easy for any of us to really get it, that loving unconditionally means giving up emotional attachment to another. Giving up completely the idea that in any way your own happiness is dependent on anyone else. 

This does not mean you cut yourself off. It actually means you become more connected because you are far more in tune with yourself and the needs of the moment. 

Your children are not your children. They belong to life and are their own sovereign beings. And when you stop playing the painful game of "Rescue" they might have less to contend with, one thing of which is their resentment of your interference. 

Hold your vision and knowing of who they truly are (remember they came from God and you saw that clearly in their eyes when they were very young) and let them go in your own mind and emotions. Love them as totally as you have always done but set them free. 

This is not being uncaring for you know that you are not. Make peace with your own childhood and nurture more the childlike qualities that reside within yourself, eg. Play more. 

And who is the expert? There is no “perfect” parent. Each of us does our best ..... and our children are our best teachers. They are actually, perhaps unknowingly, confronting you with reflections about how you can take your own freedom and joy further. 

Happiness is a choice. If you can choose your own happiness first then you lay the best foundation for your children, because you will be presenting an “open door” that they will remember always and where they can step into their own happiness when they so choose. 

Shine On
I So Love You
~ Nicky Hamid

Unquote
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Here's what Mom would always tell me...... "Parents are simply the stewards .. (one who manages or looks after another) .. of their children. They belong to God. Don't forget that." - 

Here's something we also should remember.... "Love your parents. We are so busy growing up, we often forget they are also growing old." Right?

Blessings to you, your parents, and your children. In Christ.

LIFE'S FRUSTRATION AND LESSON

Was with a good friend on the phone a few days ago and got into a good chat which covered about every subject under the sun. Well, those closest to our heart anyway. On matters in which we have opposite or diverse opinions we simply agreed to disagree. She's a bright one and I find it very interesting to engage in conversations with her. And funny, too, which makes for a lively chat.

This one got us both on the same wavelength. A very interesting one (or two) if I must say so myself. 😊😊
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----- When things are what they are no matter how you'd rather have them different, there's nothing much you can do about that really. When you have no control over it, that feeling can be quite frustrating.

----- Why is it that some good lessons are learned quite late or later in life? Learned earlier or younger could have served a very useful tool for many good things desired. 

  

 

 

EVER SO LITTLE BETTER MATTERS

"Do not let yourselves be discouraged or embittered by the smallness of the success you are likely to achieve in trying to make life better. You certainly would not be able, in a single generation, to create an earthly paradise. Who could expect that? But, if you make life ever so little better, you will have done splendidly, and your lives will have been worthwhile." ------ Arnold Toynbee
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That's a good piece of wisdom there!

Just because you can only do things small or you think yourself too small to do great things, is not reason enough not to do anything at all. Because you can make a difference just being yourself right there where God has planted you. He meant for you to grow and flourish right there with who you are, flawed and imperfect, but with the unique talent which He wisely poured into your life for a definite reason.
So if you have a lovely singing voice... Sing! If you can paint... Paint! If you love to write... Write! Or be kind... gentle... be a good listener to other people's woes..... be a ready helping hand to those in need..... be a visible inspiration to others..... be blessed with wisdom to share..... be a compassionate heart that can understand another person's pain...... etc. All these and more are the gifts from above given you to make your life better and those it must serve.

Each one may be considered tiny probably insignificant compared to what the bigger world outside adores -- the grand and grander gesture of achievement ... but .... and but you have made a difference still. And this God can see and will be very pleased by it. Seeing that you have not put to waste your gifts and instead have nurtured and harnessed it to serve His plan for your life. He will use you even more for greater and bigger things. Because if you can be trusted with so little.... then surely you can be trusted with even more .... so much much.

Be your own kind of beautiful, by God's design.
Blessings to you and your loved ones!!

STOP WAILING YOU'RE ORDINARY

Good morning, world! :-)
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A quote I have always loved and I am sure that you will, too, is this.......

"My mother knew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that -- "Achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best in you. Success is being praised by others, and that's nice, too, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success." --------- Helen Hayes

Unquote.

And yet success, more often than not, is what we aim for. Success by what the world teaches us. That success the world holds up as its standard. That which is accompanied by applause, trophies, title and recognition; that one which brings you to the center of the stage with the spotlight on you and you feeling so pleased with yourself. But that's nice too. I don't mind seeing myself up there on that stage..... Being there in that fantastic moment savoring the sweet feel of applause!

But wait......

Because I remember mom tell me long ago that success for the most part is a feeling from within rather than it is from without. It's what you experience or feel in your core and does not necessarily depend on what transpires externally on a grand or grander scale. I think what she meant was it does not matter if the task be minute or colossal but if you gave it your best shot, did your best with it, you are just as successful as the person who invented the light bulb. That would be, by the best standards in point of value, a huge success. That in any language is quite an achievement ---- being your best you!

Well, all that considered, we can call ourselves achievers every day! Right? Because every day as we get on with our respective lives we give it everything we've got. Giving everything to life with what we are and with what we are allowed to have. We study hard, work hard, think hard, honest in our hearts, tumble and fall with bad breaks and yet rise up again much stronger everytime.

I have achieved much in my life, too. Just like everybody else. Maybe it won't hug the headlines but in my tiny corner of the world the spotlight's on me. And the applause I hear I think is the applause of a happy God who I believe is mighty pleased with it. After all as I understand it, God does not require extraordinary things only from extraordinary people ......... but rather that ordinary puny people (like us) do mundane tasks (which sometimes admittedly can be quite so boring and bland) extraordinarily well with who they are and what they have. 

Because honestly.....

It’s not the little or much but rather the honest sincere heart that brings it to the table which pleases a mighty God. 

Blessings, everyone. Give the day and life and God your best shot. Have a great day

GOOD BETTER BEST - NEVER LET IT REST UNTIL GOOD BE BETTER AND BETTER BEST

 

With the music of Frank Valli and the Four Seasons (Walk Like A Man) playing in the background, I went through my old files with the goal (again) of sorting it down to minimum clutter. Decluttering is a never-ending task, as you would certainly agree. Yet it has to be done, otherwise you will find yourself with stuff mountain-high which half of it you may no longer need or stuff which has definitely outlived its time.

A few minutes into the task I stumbled on this piece of writing. I read through it. Then thought maybe I have posted this long ago but when I can't remember. But certainly it brought back fond memories of long ago.... which brought a smile to my heart. So I thought I would like to honor those old wonderful friendships with a fond wish that wherever they are I pray life has been good to them.

Here is the piece in full......
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"Images came to life one day as I sat by the window looking out to a dull day. That of a young girl in high school and a best friend who saw herself as insignificant incompetent. That of an office-mate who didn't think that he could deserve a promotion. That of a niece who thought herself to be a loser. But all three were good at some talent or skill. I remember them so well.

Then came one day when.......

-----Dina was pushed by her English teacher to join a campus essay contest. She came out besting the best. She was sent off to represent the school in a national competition; won that.

-----James was sent by his boss to handle a project at their provincial branch office. He improved their sales dramatically within a year. He became the manager of that branch.

-----Leah was asked by an uncle to assist in an NGO sponsored community activity for street children. The children adored her. She later headed similar community activities and became known for her highly-rated organizational skills and efficiency.
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Sometimes .....

we don't get to know our potential nor see the spark of genius within ourselves. Sometimes we need a little push from someone who sees us for what we are…. who sees our genius or potential. 

And when that happens, it now becomes our responsibility to let it shine even so much more. There can no longer be an excuse for not letting our star shine and shine even brighter. We should aspire to do what we do best at anytime, anyplace, with whoever is sent us, with every opportunity that knocks on our doors. 

We should be who we are constantly, consistently, unbendingly, uncompromisingly... regardless... because that's who and what we are. The best is our yardstick. The goal is to live life with our best.

That too, incidentally, is by God’s design.

 "Good, better, best. Never let it rest until good be better and better best." ---------- Mother Goose rhyme "

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Don't let anyone stop you from your best. Be the best. No one can or will do it for you. Besides....... there's no one else like you.


God bless you, everybody!