Are You Facing a Challenge in Your Relationships?

Loving Broken People

We cannot exempt ourselves from the world

while we are in the world,

and while we are in it

it is our lot to love broken men.

Yet how can we do it

when we ourselves are broken,

and need to be assured

that we are loved

that we are accepted

for being the broken people that we are.

We cannot love a person

with an all accepting, transcending and encompassing love

without being hurt somewhat,

without being disappointed,

without being failed

of our expectations.

We cannot love

without being broken,

yet we cannot continue in love

without being stronger

than our brokenness.

It is only in Jesus

where we can find healing and strength

so as to continue in this love,

so as to continue suffering again and again

yet rise again and again

in a love that is far above

any expectations,

in a love that does not retreat

from any hurt

or any frustration,

but in a love that dares to dare

in a love that dares to dream

in a love

that never ever fails!

Problems in our relationships are often caused by unmet expectations. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all love unconditionally as God loves us? But we are not yet perfect, and so are our loved ones. Our relationships must always be filled with acceptance, forgiveness and understanding in order to survive the many tests it will encounter along the way.

How To Give Unconditional Love

Have you ever wondered how only God can love us unconditionally? Because only God is perfect and need nothing from us. If He will love us, we can be certain that it’s not because He wants anything back.

We can’t love like that. Our love, however good is still conditional. We want something in return because we are not perfect, and we try to get from others what we lack.

That is the reason Jesus gave us two commandments, why we needed to love God first. In truth, it is a command to allow God to love us, to be so embraced and ensured that we couldn’t ask for anything more. In that way only can we love others truly as God has loved us.

That kind of love is therefore not waiting for any condition or reward. That love is also not boastful, self righteous or looking down upon another person because it knows that whatever love it can give has come not from itself but from God, like the moon reflecting only the light cast upon it by the sun.

It is hence our first duty to seek God’s love, to know, to believe, to feel, to be enveloped in the Light of God’s marvelous compassion. All else that follows are but mere expressions of our gratitude for the priceless gift we have received.

Whenever I feel injured or angry against another, it is most likely because I felt unloved at that time and the solution is not to continue seeking it from the person concerned but from God Himself.

Relationships Are Fragile

Relationships are fragile. The reason why we often hurt more the ones who love us most is because we do not realize this.

We take for granted the people who are always there for us and we care not to be as careful with their feelings as we are with people we hardly know.

A careless word. A negligent irrespectful act. We often think we can get away with anything when we are with the people who love us.

While it is true that they will extend to us their utmost understanding, it is also true that they are but human beings after all.

They get hurt. And they get hurt the most by the people they love the most.

Relationships are fragile. It is far easier to protect it and to take care of it rather than to mend it when it is already broken into a million shattered parts.

Must we spend our precious time trying to gather the broken pieces? Or should we rather spend our moments checking our tongues, saying words of encouragement, holding the hands of the people who truly matter to us?

Relationships are fragile. They are gifts to be cherished and protected and taken care of as much as we take care of our own hearts.

Is Your Relationship Based On a Checklist?

There are many relationships today founded only upon a checklist. Each partner qualifies like an applicant qualifying for a job interview.

He is witty. Check.

She is kind. Check.

He is rich enough. Check.

She is sexy enough. Check.

But what happens when you mistakenly check qualities you should have crossed out? What if both partners fraudulently misrepresented themselves? Or what happens when people change?

Ooops! The prince had just become a frog.

Ooops! The princess had just become a witch.

Where is your relationship founded? Is it based on a mere checklist you could easily crumple and tear apart?

Choose a good foundation.

Choose LOVE.

When People Hurt You, Does It Mean They Don’t Love You?

When people hurt you, does it mean they don’t love you?
Does it mean they don’t really care at all?
Take heart and wallow not yet in misery.

For the words which have pierced you the most,
words which may have even come
from the people you loved the most,
were not the only words said about you.
Those were probably not the only words
they’ve said about you;
not the only words they wanted to say;
and maybe, just maybe,
not the words they should have said
had they only known how to say
what they truly mean to say.

Relationships thrive not only because there are people willing to give, but because there are people who are willing to joyfully receive the love that is being given them.

Are You a Generous Receiver?

Have you ever bought a special gift, worked hard just to get it, and then only to be refused by the person you were giving it to? Felt bad didn’t it?

Receiving gifts. Sometimes, it is not our ability to give something in return, but our ability to receive the gifts given us that counts.

Our relationships are greatly enhanced when we become not only generous givers, but generous receivers as well, people who accept gifts gladly, thankfully, wholeheartedly, with the kind of smile you’ll never forget.

Receiving opens up a great channel, it allows love to flow. It recognizes the love of the giver, and it also shows how you think of yourself.

Are you the kind of person who always thinks he or she doesn’t deserve the gift given him/her? What is it that you deserve? Are you thinking of remuneration or payment? Then that is not a gift anymore but a fee or a salary.

Gifts are freely given, whose only reason and purpose is love. It has served its end when it is also received in love. Don’t you think you deserve love? Only those who value and love themselves can fully realize a fruitful relationship with other people. It is only they who are also capable of giving of themselves for the sake of love alone.

Are you a generous receiver?

How Do You Know You Are Loved?

My friend,
you are dearly loved.
Even when you don’t feel it
sometimes;
Even when people fail to tell you
just how much you mean to
them;
Even when people don’t express it
the way you want them to.

How do you know you are loved? Below are some of the things worth exploring:

1. GET A HUG

Nothing can compare to the warmth
generated by a hug.
No person feels as secure, as
intimate, as needed, as loved, as
someone being hugged.

At times I forget the nicest things said
about me, but I cannot forget those
times I have been hugged.
For surely, it brushes away our fears
and turns our tears into waterfalls of
grace.

Don’t be ashamed to ask for it from
those whom you know has great
concern for you.
Oftentimes, people really want to give
it away, but are just afraid to offer it.
Such people would be more than
willing to give to you that loving
embrace if only you will ask.
So why not ask?

A sweet smile,
a warm embrace,
a hand to hold;
small things,
precious things,
joyful moments,
for the one who receives,
and the one who lovingly gives them

2. GIVE OTHERS THE CHANCE TO CARE FOR YOU.

We are so wrapped up
in our independence,
in our pride,
in our self-sufficiency.
We have built a wall around us
to protect ourselves from pain.
But in doing so,
we have starved ourselves
from the love and concern
of those who truly care for us.
The wall we have built
has kept us from
receiving the attention and care
for which our inner selves
have long been screaming for.

Let others care for you.
Ask help when you need it,
and gratefully accept help given you.

Ask your mother to cook your favorite
recipe.
Ask your friends to come over for a
pajama party.
Ask your officemates to help you for a
work you find too difficult to do.
Ask your churchmates to pray for you.
Ask the kids to help you with the
house chores.
Ask your husband for that kiss you’ve
been missing for so long.
Ask and admit your needs.
Ask and it shall be given you!

3. FORGIVE; DON’T EXPECT PEOPLE TO BE PERFECT.

In order to feel loved,
we must learn the value of
forgiveness.
Remember that no matter how deeply
people may care for us, there will be
times when the very people who love
us would be the same people who
would let us down.
But even that does not change
the fact that we are loved.
Mistakes, weaknesses and momentary
hurts must not waste a lifetime of
caring and sincere devotion for one
another.

There is so much
to love
in each other,
but we are so often blinded
by little moons,
which eclipse
the entire SUNS
of our beings!

Life is not perfect,
but that does not mean
we can never find happiness.
Life is difficult,
but that does not mean
it can never be beautiful!
My friend, do something
for yourself and
for the people who love you:
Believe that you are loved!
TRUST.
Have faith!
Cling on to this truth and fight for it!

It may have been easier
had we only understood
why people failed us,
why people hurt us,
why people acted in ways
we never expected them to.
It may have been easier,
but there are some things
we just couldn’t do.

We cannot peek into their hearts
to see how much sorrow
they are trying to bear.
We cannot sink into their thoughts
to know what struggles
they are going through.
We cannot demand that
they explain themselves to us
and do what we want them to do.

We can only be a bit kinder
than we are supposed to be.
We can only be a bit braver
than we think we ought to be.
In times when we cannot understand,
may we learn to trust.
May we learn to be still
and have faith.

Only those who are strong
can truly love fully.
Strive to be strong.
Forgive when others are weak.

4. NOURISH YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

Everything that is of great worth
should be properly cared for.
Plants left untended wither;
Houses left abandoned end in ruin;
Copper left unpolished tarnish;
Friendships left unattended die.

If anything is of much value,
spend time and effort
to care for it.
And nothing is of greater importance
than our bond
with the people we love.

Though we are important to people,
we should also let these people know
how important they are in our lives.
Only in giving do we truly receive.
Only in loving can we ensure
to keep the channels of
intimacy and affection open.
Express the love you have within you.
Let its joy overflow!
For what is love if we cannot share its
warmth with someone else?

It is useless
to tell your brother
how much
God loves him,
unless
you are willing
to extend your hands,
and be
the manifestation
of the love
you are talking about!

Take time to call your mother
every now and then.
Write a letter to a friend
you have not heard from in
years.
Treat your partner to dinner
and reminisce the old days.
Schedule an outdoor activity for
people you don’t see everyday.
Hold a class reunion after 20 years.

Nourish your relationships.
Spend time while it is yours to give.
What you intend to do
need not be costly.
It need not even require a whole day
from you.
You can choose to spend your minute
in full and undivided attention
for someone
in order to reap a blessing
that will last for a lifetime.

We take care of our clothes,
We take care of our car,
We take care of our muscles,
We take care of our garden,
We take care of our dogs,
We take care of our hair,
We take care of our jobs,
We take care of our shoes,
We take care of our computers,
We even take care of our nails.
Shouldn’t we also take care
of our relationships?

5. UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE DIFFERENT PERSONS,
AS WELL AS DIFFERENT SEASONS

People are different.
What is true to us
may not be true to some.
What is trash to many
may be a treasure to few.
Who can therefore judge another?
Not one has lived a day
within a body other than his
own!

How do we know then whether
we are loved or not?
Through the words people say?

Some people are just not good
with words.

Through the hugs we receive?

Some people are just not
touch persons.

Through the gifts given us?

Some people just don’t know
what gifts to buy.

(Some people just don’t have
the money!)

How do we know then?

My friend,
sometimes we just know it!

At other times,
we don’t even know…

I used to think my father doesn’t love me. And I grew up believing there is nothing I can ever do to please him. While other kids would happily play games with their dads, I couldn’t even hug mine.

Until this day, I couldn’t remember a single moment that I ever saw him smile at me. He was just a strict father. A breadwinner. The man who wouldn’t even let me out of the house to play with other kids.

That was all I knew, at least, until he died. Until his wake where his officemates told me just how proud he
was of me. The man who wouldn’t even talk to me has talked much about me! Proudly!

Later, I also learned that even his over protectiveness was a sign of his deep concern for me. Growing up without getting the kind of attention he yearned from his parents, his strictness was after all, a sign of his great love for me. I didn’t know it. I didn’t know how much I was loved!

Each one is unique.
Each has his own way of
expressing the love
he holds within himself.
In the same way,
each season is distinct.
And the same people who love us
will not always love us
in the same way.

There will be seasons of spring.
Such is the yearning of every heart
that loves.
A season of affection
pouring down like showers
in springtime.
A season of intimacy and
intense attachment
with each other.
It is the season of lovebirds,
Of young love budding out of
nowhere,
Of friends taking sudden interest
in each other’s lives,
Of mothers and babies enjoying
moments of quiet embrace.
Such is spring.
Such is the season to be savored
and saved, to be cherished
and lived as though
it would never come to an end.

There will be seasons of summer.
Of adventures and events
which leave us
both breathless and thankful,
both tired and excited with the ride.
Enjoy your summer.
Enjoy the many activities,
which shall strengthen your
bond.

Yet in all these,
there shall also be
autumn and winter.
There shall be moments of silence,
and there shall be moments of biting
cold.
How we desire to forego such
seasons.
How we yearn to go back in
summertime,
and how we miss the magic of spring!
Yet even in such moments,
even in such seasons,
we can find that we are loved.

There will be times of
misunderstanding.
There will be times of pain.
A time when we have all the right to
doubt the love we thought was there.
Indeed, there will be times of biting
winter winds.
Yet even the pangs of winter
cannot kill the roots, which
have deeply established itself.
We have only to dig within,
to discover,
to remember,
to know that we are loved.

Your child has disobeyed you and went after the man she chose. Yet it doesn’t mean your child does not cry secretly in sorrow of disappointing you.

Your father has not approved of the career you desire and insisted his own plans instead. Yet it doesn’t mean he sleeps soundly at night and does not yearn to take back the decision he made for you.

Your friend did not accept the apology you made and acted as though she could never accept you again. Yet it doesn’t mean she doesn’t miss you and desire your company once more.

Life does not
disappear
in winter.
Love does not
disappear
as well.
It is embedded
in the innermost part
of our being.
It is deeply rooted
and shall rise again
in spring.

In autumn, when we cannot foresee
spring as clearly as we can in winter,
we have with us the harvest of
summer and spring to see us through.
All the work has been done.
Memories have been made.
We wish it could remain forever
in ways we have been used to,
but another season opens…
Change comes,
and we must yield.

The kids have grown up and now have affairs of their own.
Friends have married, and we terribly miss the adventures shared with them.
Neighbors have gone abroad, and we suddenly have no one to share our secret recipe with.
Lifetime partners have passed away, and we have no idea how to fill the void they have left
in our lives.

Autumn comes and takes away
that, which we hold so dear.
Autumn comes and we are called
to let go once more.
In certain ways,
we let go of a child who has grown up,
we let go of a friend who seeks a new
path in life,
we let go of a loved one who has gone
before us in the next life.
Yet even death does not and cannot
take away the love you have shared
at one point in your life.
TREASURE IT!
It is forever yours!

I remember the great love of my grandparents for one another. For fifty years, they were able to show the world that love can indeed stand the tests of time, that affection for one another need not pass away with age, and that the greatest legacy we can ever leave is love freely and unselfishly given.

I was blessed indeed to be a witness to that love for a few years that I have lived before my grandfather died. And the day he died, my heart was broken. Not only because I would miss my grandfather. Not only because I grieve for my grandmother. But more so because I couldn’t bear to witness the end of such a love.

Through the years however, I’ve learned how I have greatly underestimated the extent and depth of that love, how I have misjudged it; for in truth, it never really came to an end the day my grandfather died.

To this very day, I am still a witness how my grandmother is able to treasure the love they have shared. I am still a witness how love is kept alive in the hearts and minds of those who carry on the radiance of its
warmth.

Autumn can take away many things,
but not the love we have
freely given away.

Each season brings
a new challenge.
But no season
can hinder us
from knowing we are loved.

6. LEARN TO REACH OUT

Not many of us are blessed with a
family who has always been there for
us.
Not many of us have loads of friends
whom we can count on to

to see us through the darkest and loneliest of
days.
But few of us
could ever complain
that we have not been given
any opportunity to reach out
and care for people
within our reach.

We need not look far to find lonely
people.
We need not walk long to brighten
someone else’s day.
We need only to open
our eyes and see.
We need only to open
our hands and reach out.

How many people do you meet
everyday?
Whether you are working at a
business district, a wet market, a
school, a shop, a construction area, a
store, or even at home, there are
always people within your reach.

And sometimes,
all we need
is a smile
to bring a little warmth
in another person’s day.

There might be that grouchy man you always bump into at rush hour.
There might be a little kid asking for a piece of bread.
There might be a boss who just couldn’t open up his heart.
There might be a widower longing for a little chat.
There might be an old aunt yearning for a bit of attention all these years.
There might be an employee feeling a bit left out.
There might be a mother terribly missing her daughter.
There might be a daughter terribly missing her Mom.
There might be a stranger needing a little help.
There might be a neighbor waiting for a smile.
There might be a friend hoping for a chat over a cup of coffee.
There might be a heart longing for another heart.

You may claim to be lonely,
but there are people lonelier than you
are!
You may claim to be poor,
yet you did not take into
account
how much you can still
give away…

Mere surfing over the internet could
give you a pretty good idea how many
lonely people are out there: people
working in a foreign land, people with
disabilities and debilitating diseases
that keep them from going out and
meeting new friends, people who have
been hurt and abandoned by those
they cared for the most.
You could be a light to them.
Your messages can be the warm
hand of a friend they have been
longing for.

Wherever you are,
there will always be people
you can touch.
And the briefness of the encounter
need not hinder us from making a
lasting difference by sharing whatever
small thing we can give

Go ahead!
Touch.
Reach out.
Do random acts of kindness
and don’t expect
anything in return!

But if in any chance
you do get something back;
if in any chance, you realize
you have made another
person happy;
and then you finally realize
that you are loved,
that would be a miracle
we should all be thankful for!

When you realize
you are loved,
could there be any logical reason
you should not love yourself
as much as others have
cared for you?

Share and Enjoy

Are You Reaching For a Dream?

A dream is a very important thing, it is like a seed one must plant and water and take care of so it can grow and bear fruit in time. When you find it, take care of it, protect it. Some people walk through life not even finding the seed they wanted to grow.

The Small Seed

Let a seed
be buried deep down into the ground
deep down where there is nothing
but darkness
and the smallness of the seed,
let it wait
let it face its greatest fears
for only in being buried
can it sprout forth with new life
only in the truth of its smallness
can it realize its power
to grow
to bear fruit
and to reach the highest heavens

Soaring High

Give me freedom, give me liberty no matter how much it may cost me, and I will pay for it! Set me free like a bird who is learning to fly. Let me go so that I may spread my wings! I may fall once, I may fall twice, I may fall so many times but I will not fall always. I will learn to fly!

If you will not let me go, how can I be strong? How can I live? How can I learn to rise from my fall, from my mistakes?

You may think seclusion shall protect me, but what you do not know is that boredom can kill me a hundred times more. It is more than stupor, it is worse than death.

Let me feel the hurt and the pain so that I may enjoy comfort. Let me experience sorrow so that I may have glorious happiness! It is better than being idle: like a stone that never knew what’s on the other side of the mountain, like a shell that never knew what’s on the other side of the sea.

Let me live, set me free. Let me be responsible for my own soul. Let me think, for I do have a mind. Let me feel, for I too, have a heart. Let me go, for He who made me is free!

In order to reach your dreams, you must first be able to dream. You must be FREE to dream and to reach for that dream.

Determination Versus Hard work

I came to a very good realization one morning. I realized that there is one thing that’s missing in me, and that is the determination to reach my dreams. It’s true that I’ve been trying very hard in finding ways and means to realize my life goals, but trying hard isn’t the same as being sufficient, trying hard isn’t helping you keep your hopes alive when you meet one disappointment after another.

Sooner or later you’ll be exhausted, sooner or later you’ll give up. It’s as though you’re merely trying out your luck in the lottery, and when you don’t win, you say that at least you’ve tried, but it was just not meant for you, you weren’t lucky enough. But luck is truly not the question, for luck is not the same as destiny. And destiny can only be reached with a firm “resolve”.

When I studied hard to make it through college for instance, I didn’t just say I will try my best, and see where it gets me. I told myself that I will finish my studies whatever happens, whatever it takes! Whether I have enough money or not, whether the subjects are difficult or easy, I’m going to do it, and nobody’s stopping me. Destiny is like that. Its when you say to yourself that this is what you really want and you will never ever stop until you make your dreams come true!

Perseverance Is Your Key to Success!

“I hope that you will persevere

Until the very end,

Because it is only then

That you will find out

That the end is but the beginning

Of the realization

Of your dreams.”

Persevere in prayer. Persevere in your hope. Persevere in your faith. He who cannot persevere has not truly BELIEVED from the very beginning.

Countless endeavors were called FAILURES not because they were doomed to fail, but because there was not enough perseverance to discover the SUCCESS and the HAPPINESS that await on the other side of the road.

If only one man climbed a few more feet higher. If only another man dug a few more meters deeper. If only a businessman had enough capital to last a few more days. IF ONLY.

Let us not be victims of changing our minds too soon before we reap the success we have sown. Giving up too early only shows our lack of belief in what we are doing. It shows that we have not thought about our plans well. It shows how shallow our hope really is.

Do you know what you are actually building with your perseverance? You are building a very strong momentum that increases steadily and expands larger and larger until it becomes so huge no hindrance can ever stop it along the way! Without perseverance, all you may have is a stone. Nothing much can be moved by a stone. But when that stone becomes a big rock, a boulder, an entire hill, it can move anything as it rolls down the path you chose for it to tread.

Never underestimate the power of perseverance. Much of what people call as overnight success wasn’t really made overnight. The seed was sown a long time ago, although in secret. The growth seemed almost negligible at the start, but after years of preparation, the seed suddenly explodes and all that the world sees is the magnificence of that moment!

How long have you been trying? Are you losing faith already? Take heart! This may just be the moment you’ve long been waiting for.

How Do You Teach An Eagle How To Fly?

This is one of the chapters in my series “The Good For Nothing Boy”

THE FLIGHT

“Good-for-nothing!” How many among us felt as though we were good-for-nothing and unwanted? How many among us ever felt without a purpose in life? Today, I will tell you one of the chapters of the story of a little boy who felt the same way. Together with his firefly friend, let us join him in his search for his purpose as he journeys over strange and distant lands and as he miraculously uncovers his worth, his mission, and his heart.”

It was raining hard that day and the little boy found himself running desperately for shelter. With the firefly cupped in his hands, he tried to make his way farther up the mountains. There used to be lots of trees there, but now, the land is almost barren. The path was slippery, and the boy often tripped as he ran.

“Are you all right in there?” he asked the firefly cupped in his hands.

“Still alive, boy; still alive,” replied the firefly.

“Just a little while more. I think I see something ahead.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I could hardly breathe in here. Where have all the trees gone anyway?” the firefly asked.

“They say they were used to make houses and many other things,” the boy replied.

“Well there are no houses here, that’s for sure. I wish they made some, too, for fireflies like me.”

“I don’t think they do that, you know.”

“Well if they can’t do that, they might as well leave some trees here,” cried the firefly.

“Yeah, I guess that’s fair enough.”

Suddenly, a mighty lightning struck and almost hit them had the boy not docked just in time! Crawling, firefly still in his hands, he tried to reach what seemed like a cave in the middle of the barren land.

“Whew, that was close!” the firefly sighed with relief.

“Indeed, too close. I’m glad we found this cave. We can stay here until the storm is over.”

Tired with the day’s ordeal, they slept deeply through the night, not knowing where or what they have gotten themselves into.

“Little boy, wake up! The cave is moving!”

“Wh – what? You might be dreaming, get some more sleep – “

“But the cave is really moving. Wake up!” the firefly insisted as he hovered near the boy’s ear.

Just then, the boy was awakened by the sudden gush of wind that chilled him to the bones.

“Whoossh! Whhooossshh!”

“What’s that?!” He could not believe his eyes. For right there where he thought the cave had been, is the biggest eagle he’s ever seen!

“No, please don’t go,” a gentle voice suddenly spoke. “I have no intention of harming you or your friend.”

“How – how can we be sure?” asked the trembling firefly.

“Look here.” And they saw that the eagle was tied to the ground.

“I have not gone anywhere since I was tied here. All that I ever asked of strangers was to get me some food from the nearby forest. As you can see, I can’t provide for my own needs. If you would be willing, I shall be very thankful for you both.”

“I am willing,” said the boy.

“I – I – well I – if you say so!” said the firefly.

And so everyday, the little boy gathered food from the forest to offer to the giant eagle. Everyday, they ate together and became really good friends.

“Was it really long ago since you were tied here?” asked the boy.

“Yes, I was just a little eagle. Some hunter caught me, for some reason though, he did not return.”

“And have you?”

“Oh yes, I did try to break away, but I’ve found my efforts futile that one day I resigned to accept my fate.”

“But – but as you said, you were just a little eagle then. Now you’re so big I believe you can already break away. I would really like to help you, but I’m just too little to be able to cut these chains. I know you can do it yourself.”

“I don’t know, little boy. I have failed so many times. And even if I could break loose, I don’t even know if I could still fly. Wouldn’t it be more shameful to see a free eagle who can’t fly?”

“But wouldn’t you want to see your family again? Wouldn’t you want to meet new friends and see new things? I know there are lots of things on the other side of the mountain, not to mention the other side of the sea. For an eagle as big as you, I’m sure there are lots of things in store if you would only try. If only I were an eagle, I wouldn’t give up no matter how many times I fail.”

“You made it sound so easy that I’m tempted to do it,” the eagle said.

“Don’t just be tempted, giant eagle. Do it! I want to see you free and soaring high!”

“It – it may be possible…”

“Yes, it’s possible!”chorused the boy and the firefly.

“Could you help me then?”

“Of course we will! I can’t teach you how to fly, you must discover it yourself. But we will support you. We will.”

“Thanks, I hope I make it this time.”

“You will! I guess you should start by practicing to flap your wings everyday. And when your wings are strong enough, maybe we can begin the real test.”

After weeks of preparation, the moment has come for the eagle and his friends.

“I’m quite nervous,” the eagle said.

“Don’t be! We’re right behind you.”

And so with one final breath, the eagle flapped his wings and tried to break loose. “Whoooosshh!” Everything seemed to be going so well, the eagle was rising when all of a sudden, fear struck him, he lost his balance and fell!

“I knew I couldn’t do it. I knew I couldn’t.”

“Giant eagle, you must believe you can do it. There is no other way. Each failure brings us closer to the dreams we have. I have an idea! I will give you something to say to yourself while you’re practicing. All this time, we’ve been practicing your wings, but we forgot to practice your mind. If we are to accomplish anything, we must first be able to visualize it like it’s almost real, in our minds.”

And so the boy gave the eagle the secret words to be uttered to himself; words he must believe and trust until the time comes when both wings and mind become ready to try again.

That time came. The eagle flapped his wings once more. And this time, with such strength and conviction he never thought he had. He kept on reciting the words the boy taught him as he tried to break loose and fly.

SOARING HIGHER

Why should I be afraid to fly?

And why should I be afraid to try?

When I was born to meet the sky –

I was born to meet the sky and fly!

I may fall once,

I may fall twice,

I may fall so many times

But I will not fall always!

I will try again and again and fly!

Spread your wings now

Get ready!

Let go of your fears

As you leave the ground –

Be prepared now, steady

You’re getting better,

You’re flying stronger

You’re soaring higher up the sky!

Suddenly, the eagle was able to break loose and soar high up in the sky; so high that the boy knew the eagle can now fend for himself. It is now time for him to move on and seek his own sky.

How Do You Deal With Life’s Setbacks?

Have you ever had that feeling that everything is going well and you’re well on your way to achieving all your heart’s desires? You have pondered upon the Universal Laws and learned them all by heart. You have followed them religiously, built your grandest visions and seen them start to happen one by one. You were so certain you’re on the right track and nothing can ever move you.

Then one moment, a single remark gets at you and all your dreams are torn into pieces. At that moment, you went so far back just when you thought you were making progress. You’ve climbed so hard just to slip away and see all your efforts turn to waste.

Yet was that really what had happened?Were your efforts wasted at all?

I believe that for a person who has made so much progress and growth, authentic growth, there is no such thing as wasted efforts. It may be true that you may see a lot of work that has to be redone, but doing that work is indeed not a waste at all. In fact, if you really did your homework well, you’d find yourself much stronger and wiser now, and you’ll be able to accomplish the same task in less than half the time you’ve spent doing it before.

What you’ve experienced is merely a TEMPORARY setback, and even setbacks can be opportunities for more growth.

During such times, you will realize how stronger you have indeed become. You will also be able to assess how much room there still is for improvement in many areas in your life. Speed is not the main thing after all, but the right direction in which we are headed to.

To Dream Again

Tell me what is the most difficult part of dreaming. Finding your dream? Persisting in reaching for them? At times my friend, these are not the most difficult part. At times my friend, it is that part when you let go of the dream you’ve worked so hard for, so you can dare to dream another dream.

It was not an easy thing for me to achieve my dream. We were but a poor family, I had no educational plan, and our sole breadwinner was my father who worked as a company driver then. The only reason I got to study in an exclusive Catholic school in high school was through a scholarship granted by the Alumni Association of the school. It was also by a scholarship that I was able to finish my Accounting Degree in college, a scholarship that fortunately continued during my review for the CPA Board Examinations. I had to study hard year after year. I had to prove again and again that I deserved my scholarship because falling just one point short of the required grades would mean the end of everything I strived so hard for. I had to give it my utmost concentration, and forget everything else that may get in the way. I even had to forego the usual things that teenagers were supposed to enjoy: parties, night outs, romantic relationships.

I was in my last year in college when my father died; he wasn’t even there to see me graduate with honors. And he wasn’t there as well when I passed the CPA Board. The year he died until I passed the Board, our only source of income was my father’s small social security insurance, an amount that proved insufficient, and we incurred a lot of debt just so to make both ends meet.

When I finally worked as an auditor, I assumed the role of family breadwinner. It was the start of fulfilling my dreams for me and my family.

Years passed, and though I didn’t become rich, I became financially stable. I was able to see my younger siblings graduate. I was able to treat my family to places I couldn’t afford before. I was able to work in prestigious companies that enabled me to practice what I learned, to travel for free in various parts of the country, and to hope for a secured future and a stable career.

I was actually living the life I dreamt of. And I was on my way to reaching a predictable advancement in my career, probably until my retirement. Here was everything I’ve ever hoped for, the dreams I’ve worked so hard for all my life.

And yet, after achieving all these, I didn’t feel as contented as I thought I would be. I felt like something’s missing, something that would give more meaning to my life.

It is true that I was able to use what I’ve learned, but as days went on, I felt unable to share more and more of what I know. The audit reports I write may be quite useful for the company I work with, but the words they contain prove only useful for a time, and for a limited number of people. Most people can’t even understand what it says or what it’s worth. I wanted to start writing eternal and useful things for many people. I wanted to write words that heal, words that inspire, words that touch lives and bring light wherever there is darkness.

To sum it up, I had another dream, a dream so different from the one I’ve worked so hard for all these years.

Many people would call it foolishness, a risk so high that no professional in her sound mind would dare take. For why should I begin again? Why should I throw away all the skills and experiences, all the qualifications that would help me advance in my corporate career? Shouldn’t I be taking up a Master’s degree or something?

But then I asked myself, what satisfaction would I ever get in continuing what I’m doing today? No matter if I achieve a higher position this year, I would only be aiming for a higher one next year and so on. There is really no career ladder to aspire to, but a deadend for exploring the best I could yet become.

I wish I can tell you now that I’ve already made a complete transition to my desired job. But like many of you, I’m still in the process of accomplishing that change. I struggle each day to perform my office chores while trying to find time writing this article, and writing the chapters of the book I dream of leaving behind as a legacy to all that may profit from it.

It isn’t easy to dream again, and to leave behind everything you’ve accomplished. But life goes on, and it cannot go on by holding on to the things you know will not lead you farther in your journey. Each of us was borne to accomplish the task which only we can perform. The world awaits us to perform it. The world awaits us to find out what it is and dream again.

A Song To Dream Again

I.
You’ve come so far from where you wanna go
and you reached the dreams you’ve made some time ago
as you walk along the shore
seems you couldn’t ask for more
yet the restless sea is calling you
to go and dream once more

Chorus:
What lies ahead
what lies across that restless sea
is there something that my heart should find
or someone waiting just for me
oh how would I know
I’ll never know unless I try
I’ll never know unless I dream again
with you Lord by my side

II.
You’ve wished upon a star sometime ago
yet there are millions more just waiting for your call
as you walk beneath the moon
someone waits to see you soon
and you know that you can even dance
as you build your dreams once more

Risk And Moving Mountains

One thing I’ve learned in being an auditor is the ability to quickly assess the risks that exists and the possible means by which to eradicate or mitigate them. Give me a situation and in less than five seconds, I can start enumerating the risks involved. Give me 30 seconds and I may even be able to classify those risks according to likelihood of happening or the materiality of the consequences possible. Very handy skill, isn’t it? Could save you millions right? Right. Could make you lose millions, right? Right as well!You ask how that could happen? Here’s a simple illustration. If you are to go into a business with only a one percent chance of clicking and you plan on investing your hard earned money all in that basket, you can definitely thank me when I tell you that slim, almost nil percentage of success, and save you from losing all of your money. On the other hand, if you could’ve actually made it among that one percent who succeed, then you can also blame me for scaring you so much and making you lose such a great opportunity.

But of course, you would never have known that unless you risked it. And had you risked it and profited among that one percent, you’d have been so happy you won’t blame anyone anymore. You’d just thank yourself for following your instincts instead of following statistics.

What I’m saying is this: there are very real risks that we should be aware of, but then there are some things which we can make real despite of all the risks involved!

Stated in another way, follow statistics if you want to play it safe, if you just want to take a chance, if you don’t have the tenacity and the willpower to push yourself beyond what you’ve always done and accomplished. If you don’t think miracles can’t happen anymore, if you find it difficult to follow a different drummer, by all means see the risks before you and get out of their way.

But if you feel deep down in your heart that this is what you really wanted to do, and if you believe you will do everything within your power to reach it, with a burning desire to accomplish all that you have set out to do, if you really believe you can move mountains, then I salute you and give you my utmost respect.

You are one of the few who can make things happen. You belong to that one percent of people the other 99 percent should be wary of. Because if you ever get in their way, the tables of possibilities would’ve already been turned. Chances are that it is the 99 who would give way for you, for the one who knows definitely, and believes whole heartedly where he is going.

Faith works like that. Faith sees the way despite the many obstacles that others see. Faith is certain. Its voice is calm and sure, confident that the things it perceives will happen and become a reality.

Risks may tell you how difficult a path to be taken will be, but it is only faith that will get you across to where your heart desires to go. No mountain can ever stop you, for by faith even the waters of the sea can be parted, and even the mountains that stand in the way can be moved!

The Secret of Flying

This is the secret of flying:

When there is tremendous pressure all about you that you can do nothing but to rise above it all less be crushed underneath!

I want to share with you a speech I made when I was in college. It has often reminded me of how we are able to pursue our dreams, and about what really matters in the end.

Graduation Speech

Today, we celebrate our success after all these years of hardship, struggle and perseverance. We reminisce the challenges that stood before us, and we savor the victories that came upon our hands.

It was not so long ago when we dared to dream, and not so long ago, when we dared to take the first essential steps towards its fulfillment.

Along the way, we met a lot of trials, but our burning desire to reach our goals has kept us from straying or giving up. Along the way were many uncertainties, but certain beacons of light showed us the right path to take.

Let us thank God therefore for His unceasing grace and guidance; our professors, for their immeasurable dedication; our parents for their unconditional support althroughout these years; and our friends who walked along with us, side by side.

Because of them, we were able to reach our dreams. Because of them, we can truly say, “We made it!”.

Yet is this really the end of all our dreams? Friends, we should not just stop here and dwell with memories. Rather, we must look onwards and dream once more. But this time, let us dream not only for ourselves. Let us dream for the nation, and let us dream for the world.

The medals and diplomas we received today must not be mere symbols of high grades or prestigious positions, but emblems of the true light, which God has given us, and which we are now called to give others in return.

It is not sufficient anymore to be the mere hope of the nation. We must be the fulfillment of that hope!

So do your best not only to improve yourselves, but to improve the socio-economic conditions of your country. You have a great role in making this nation great again.

And when you work, don’t just work to earn a living, but work so that you may live in the real sense of the word. Don’t just earn money, earn it honestly and with dignity. Put meaning to everything you do so that when you reach your destination, you have not only reached it, but you reached it with honor in your soul and strength in your heart.

Never look for success in money, for success is never measured by one’s bank account. Don’t look for success in power, for absolute power corrupts absolutely. Don’t look for success in fame, for it is the prayer in silence which is most dear to God.

As a matter of fact, don’t look for success first, for it may be hard to find. But put God first in everything that you do, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.

Friends, a bright tomorrow awaits us. Let us get there by making the most of what we have today. Never be afraid to try. Never be afraid to dream. For you are like a bird that is just learning to fly. You may fall once, you may fall twice, but you will not always fall. You will learn to fly!

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Lord, may I always remember that the wisest and the strongest are not always the greatest in your sight, that the richest are not always the most precious, and that the most beautiful are not always the most loved.

May I remember , too, that everything I have is yours, and at any moment, you could take them all away. Let me therefore not boast of my health, of my youth, of my standing before men, for everything can take a sudden turn and I know not what could happen in the days to come.

Protect my heart also from self-righteousness. May I remember that those who suffer now aren’t being cursed or punished, and their plight does not in any way indicate how holy they are in God’s sight. May I be reminded that even the greatest sinners today may repent and become the holiest saints tomorrow, and that those who seem righteous now may turn their backs on God when trials come.

Let me always be humble, Lord, like a little child, not by virtue of pretense, but by simply knowing the truth. And this is the truth, that every good blessing comes from you, O God, and apart from you, I will surely wither and die.

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Are You Praying For a Blessing?

Are you praying for a blessing in life? Does it seem too impossible to be answered? Why do some prayers take so long to be answered, while some get answered instantly? How do you pray a prayer that makes miracles come true?

Why Can’t We Receive Our Blessings?

What keeps a person from
receiving a gift,
a very precious
and significant gift?

Given the chance to accept such a gift,

a brand new car perhaps

a beautiful house and lot

a precious jewel,

how many among us would refuse

something totally for free?

Following are some of the things I thought would prevent us from receiving the blessings/ gifts the good Lord has meant us all to receive:

1. Hostility/ doubt towards the giver

It doesn’t matter sometimes how beautiful or precious a gift is as long as we do not approve of the giver. Who would ever receive a gift from someone she doesn’t trust? From someone with a vested interest perhaps? From someone scary? From a monster?!

We are unable to receive many gifts because we do not approve of the giver.

2. Feeling of unworthiness

Even if we believe in the giver, we oftentimes refuse our gifts because we do not believe ourselves worthy of them. We think we do not deserve a new car because we have not studied well, we do not deserve to be forgiven because we have been so bad in the past.

But have you ever considered what the giver is giving the gift for? Maybe it has nothing to do after all with what we did or did not do. Maybe it is being given just because the giver would be happy to see us receive the blessing. Maybe it is because of his generosity. Maybe it is because of his unconditional love.

3. So much focus on other things as not to see what is being given

How do you receive a gift you do not even notice? If we are so busy doing something else, talking to this and that person, taking care of this and that, worrying, fretting, anxiously thinking of our fears, would we ever have the time to even think someone’s waiting for us, intending to give us something beautiful?

4. Lack of confidence to be able to use the gift

If we do not know how to operate a personal computer, not even having the slightest interest to learn, would it matter at all that someone’s giving us a top of the line PC, complete with accessories, software and technical assistance?

If we think we’d have no use nor skill for something, we may refuse something being given us.

5. Ignorance on the nature and worth of what is being given

Our ignorance on the nature of the gift being given us hinders us from receiving it with open arms. Instead of gratitude, we have doubt. Instead of excitement, we have apathy and we don’t care whether we receive the blessing or not at all.

6. Ignorance of one’s needs that can be fully satisfied by the gift

If we do not know ourselves and our needs, we may not be aware of what good the blessing before us is going to give us. An abundant feast may have been set before our eyes, yet if we do not even know we’re hungry, it wouldn’t satisfy us a bit. We may even look for other things we think we need.

7. Comparing one’s gift to the gift given to others

How many times have we refused our blessings because we deem it lesser than the gifts we saw given to other people? Our blessings may be the best for us, yet oftentimes, we look at bigger packages given to another. We know not that inside the small package is a precious jewel waiting to be revealed if only we’d have opened our hands to receive it rather than whine about how small it is compared to what our neighbors have received.

Have you found your blessings yet? Have you prayed and received not the answer? Reflect for a moment and consider, you may have refused the very blessings God has placed before you all the while.

If There Is Abundance Around, Why Can’t We Receive It?

We’ve heard how life seemed so abundant in all things, in sunshine, in water, in the air we breathe. Everything is there for the taking, and the only thing left for us is to claim them. Yet how is it the many of us still lack in many things, particularly in material wealth? If the earth never lacks in water, why is it that we never seem to have even a small drop of it at times?

If water could be compared to the blessings we receive, and if the said blessings should be in abundance, we ask why some people receive more of it than some of us do. And so we look at lakes far wider than the rest, or oceans far deeper and clearer, or waterfalls stronger and more majestic than many. And then we look at creeks and small trickles of water, of canals that lay stagnant and could not deliver such a powerful flow.

Can we now see it better? Can we now see how water (life’s blessings) can be so abundant, and how at the same time, we seem to have so little of it?

If we want to have more of it, like a big lake perhaps, it’s up to us to dig more deeper and to ALLOW more of the water to pass through, to flow and to come in. The bigger the space we carve, the more water there will be, the more share of blessings we can have in the infinite abundance of life!

Why God Doesn’t Give Us Our Desires

“You must rest, O soul, to receive your heart’s desire.”
-Streams in the Desert

Sometimes, God doesn’t give us the things we want
because He knows the things we truly desire,
desires that we may not even be aware of
because we do not truly know ourselves.

We cannot truly know ourselves unless we really choose to, and we cannot discover our true desires
unless we let go of the things we think we want,
things borne not out of love,
but out of fear, anger or other things
other than what our heart is yearning for.

Had God immediately given us our requests,
our joy wouldn’t have had a chance to be complete
because we would have settled for the “Second best”.

But God allows us instead these momentary frustrations
so that we can discover little by little
what it is we truly desire.

When I Asked For a ROSE

It was January 31, 2000, and Valentines Day seem so near. I was praying to God when I suddenly felt so sad. I felt so lonely. I knew that dreaded day would soon be coming when girls would soon be receiving flowers from their special someone, when they would all go about proudly carrying those flowers, certain of the sincere love of those that offered them. I haven’t got any lover though. So no flowers for me, no bouquet, not even a single red rose.

It was a bit embarrassing, but I knew the Lord knew my heart and there was no point in hiding anything. I remained true to my feelings, and I asked God for something I’ve never asked before. I’ve asked Him to send me a rose, just one. I don’t know how it could possibly happen, but I prayed, like a daughter asking something from her dear father. I prayed for a single red rose. I prayed for a small expression of love, a small sign that I am loved, and that I am special as well.

It was a heartfelt prayer, though I never really thought much of it the day after. I guess it was enough for me that I uttered it, and that the Lord heard me. It was already upon God’s hands whether to grant the prayer of silly girls like me.

So I went through my activities for the day, attending a seminar in the morning, and meeting my bestfriend afterwards in the afternoon. My friend and I strolled at a mall for a while, and then proceeded to pick up our materials for our upcoming training in Puerto Galera. After picking them up, we tried to find a ride back home. We found it difficult though, and found ourselves trying to find alternative routes.

On our way to EDSA, we chanced upon the Manila Seedling Bank, which we had seen many times before from the outside. A bit curious, we decided to look inside. We were amazed to see such a variety of plants wherever we proceeded. We certainly didn’t expect so much there. But it turned out there was even an exhibit at that time from many skilled participants all over the country!

There were plants of all shapes and sizes, of common and rare varieties. There were beautiful flowers everywhere: gerberas, orchids, sunflowers, yellowbells, roses of all colors! Their scent enthralls the senses, their soft and vividly colored petals can’t help but delight the eyes. The presentation was just terrific, and it really felt like we’ve just entered an enchanted garden, far from the harsh activities of men, protected by fairies and elves that guard them night and day.

And suddenly, right in the middle of that garden, I remembered my prayer. My prayer for a single red rose. And I realized, right there and then, that that prayer had been granted far beyond how I expected it to be answered. For right before my eyes lay not just a flower, not just a rose, not just a red rose, not just a bouquet of roses, but hundreds of flowers flourishing, blooming, glorifying the God that answers all of our prayers.

I’ve only asked for a small emblem of care, but what I received is a mountain of flowers testifying God’s immeasurable love for me. I felt so happy. I felt so special and blessed. I believed then that no other girl was able to receive as much that Valentine’s Day. No other man could have given as much. But the One who did was the One who loved me, the One who loved me enough to answer that silly prayer for a single lonely rose.

Who Are Blessed?

I’ve often heard people saying “I’m truly blessed”, or “God blessed me.”

Does that mean other people weren’t blessed?

If God causes the sun to shine both on the good and the bad, will He withhold His blessings to some and give it only to a few?

Who are we to say that some people are less fortunate than us?

I believe that God pours His blessings upon us all… always.

And maybe, when we say that we are blessed, it is only like saying we have finally found the faith to receive what God is giving us. Finally, we have recognized God’s goodness, and for that, we say that we are blessed!

The Secret to Mountain-moving FAITH!

A child is having a seizure, he foams at the mouth and gnashes his teeth, he is thrown to the ground and lays as rigid as a rock. Meanwhile, the disciples of Jesus gather around him, praying, laying their hands and shouting words of affirmation, trying to cast away the evil spirit that has possessed the child. Still, the child rolled around, foaming at the mouth. The disciples couldn’t drive away the malady. After all the miracles they’ve seen through Jesus, after all the miracles they have performed themselves, they stand defeated and confused.

Just then, Jesus arrives and is quickly approached by the boy’s father, asking for the healing of his son. Jesus asks the man if he believes. The man answers, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Jesus commanded the spirit to depart, and at once, the boy was healed!

After the crowd had left, the disciples asked Jesus why they couldn’t drive out the evil spirit. Jesus replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

But wasn’t it prayer that the disciples uttered when they tried to heal the boy? Why didn’t it work? Did they not have enough faith? And why was their faith lacking? What prayer finally drove out the spirit away? It isn’t just the prayer of Jesus, but the prayer of the father’s child when he proclaimed that he believed!

But what’s the difference between his prayer and the prayer of the disciples? Shouldn’t the disciples know more of faith than the suffering father did?

The disciples may have had more experience in their work, but when they came across a difficult case, they themselves started to doubt. And when their hearts were gripped by fear and worry, there was nothing within them that urged them to persevere in their work. They lost their faith, and then they lost their hope, and they had nothing more.

But the father of the child, though he admittedly lacked also in faith had something more. Something that urged him to persevere. Something that urged him to come to Jesus and to try once again. He couldn’t just give up. He couldn’t bear the sight of his very own son suffering that way. No, he will do everything he can so he can save the boy he loves so much.

And alas, through the hands of Jesus, his son had been saved. Through the hands of Jesus, his prayer had been answered. His was the only prayer that prevailed, the only one who was able to overcome his unbelief. And what prompted him? It was his unquestionable love for his son. It was love.

If I speak in tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophesy and can fathom all mysteries and knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing… Love never fails. (1 Cor. 13:1-2,8)

Secret to Answered Prayers

What is the secret to answered prayers? Will God answer my prayers?

The Bible has a very simple guide on how we should pray:

Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not… ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea, it shall be done. – Matthew 21:21

And when we look back at all the prayers that Jesus had answered, honesty and simplicity in those prayers were very much evident.

And behold, there came a leper and worshiped him saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And he stretched forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou made clean. And straightway his leprosy was cleansed. -Matthew 8:2-3

And as Jesus passed by from thence, two blind men followed him, crying out, saying Have mercy on us, thou son of David. And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it done unto you. And their eyes were opened. – Matthew 9:27-30

Such simple and straightforward prayers, and yet these prayers were often the prayers that Jesus praised for their faith.

Why then do some of our prayers seem to remain unanswered until now? What have we failed to understand? What is the kind of prayer God always hears and answers?

I’ve listed THREE easy guidelines that have helped me tremendously in my own prayers. They’re so simple and easy to remember, and they have guided me through much of my prayer life.

Three things we need in our prayers:

1. To KNOW what we want

What is it that we truly want? Are the concerns that escape our lips in prayer truly the things we desire? We are to remember that prayer isn’t about mere words no matter how beautiful or how well composed they seem to be. Prayer is that which comes from our hearts, the things we lift up towards heaven when we close our eyes and kneel before the One who hears the voice within us. For all we know, the things we say are just the opposite of the things we really want. For all we know, we have not yet come to discover the things we truly desire.

Do we still remember the blind man whom Jesus healed?

And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

Why did Jesus ask him what he desires? Wasn’t it already obvious that he needed to see? What I can say is this: the prayer, the real desire of the blind man should come from him himself. Jesus wanted him to realize the desire that lies in his own heart, to claim it, to proclaim it, and to believe that it can be done. Because this is the way to authentic prayer. God does not suddenly appear before us and insist on the things we obviously need. What would you say if He suddenly comes to you and says, “Well John, I think you need a new job so you can buy a new shirt because you really look so shabby already, and I can’t bear the sight of you!” Well, won’t it be encroaching upon our God-given will, on the honor He has bestowed upon us as His children? On the right to receive whatever gift we want, not the gifts thrust upon us by force?

We need to seek inside our hearts those desires that have slept there for so long. Unless we do, we do not know what to pray for in the first place, and we end up sending a bunch of mixed and weak signals that do not really know the things it asks for. Have you ever heard someone talking on the phone over a choppy line? Well, was it easy to understand what he was saying? If the person was asking you for something, would you have understood what it was? And having never understood what it was in the first place, would you have given what the person was asking for?

We must uncover the prayers our souls are crying for. And in order to do so, we must learn how to remove all the impurities that conceal our true desires. Know what you want. Be brave enough to face yourself in the mirror and see what it is you’re lacking. Do not content yourself with the outer layer of your problems. Seek the core of your difficulties. It is only then that you will know you are blind. It is only then that you will know you needed to see!

2. To BELIEVE that we can get what we want and that God can answer our prayers.

What is the point of praying if we do not believe our prayers will be answered? What is the point of praying if we do not believe someone hears them and that the one who does can answer them? You might have noticed how people often simply murmur their wishes, hoping some genie might pass by and grant them their wishes if he so desires. Not a very empowering concept, isn’t it?

See if you can relate to the following:

a. We think we do not deserve what we pray for

Having a realistic assessment of ourselves is good. But insisting on our unworthiness as a cause to believe that our prayers should not be granted is another. Remember that God does not force us to receive anything, however wonderful or generous His blessings are. If we do not wish to accept his answers, we are the ones closing our doors and shutting out every good thing God sends out to us.

b. We think God is not good or generous enough to grant us our desires

We may have an idea of a God who never even smiles, a God who gives out all these commandments for us to follow and who watches our every move so He can punish us if we violate any of those laws He has given us. If this is how you see God, it is no wonder that you do not believe your prayers will be answered. In fact, if this is how you see Him, you may never even have the guts to pray to Him at all!

Believe that God is good. Believe that God loves you so much He gave up His glory to be just like you in order to save you. Believe that if He can grant you His One and Only Son, He will not withhold anything from you.

3. To fervently and consistently DESIRE the thing we want.

Sometimes we know what we want, and we believe that God can grant them. But when some sort of delay comes, we start doubting our prayers, and subsequently, God’s generosity to grant what we ask for. A persistent prayer proves how far our faith can go. It proves how much we believe in the things we pray for.

When we fail to pray fervently, the following happens and jeopardizes our prayers:

a. We settle for the initial results we get instead of pursuing what it is we really want

Sometimes, we recognize some things as answers to our prayers. It may be a job, which pays enough, but is not as rewarding as we envisioned it to be; or a boyfriend who seems okay, but one with whom we do not feel truly happy with. Though these answers seem good enough, they do not fully satisfy our desires. And we settle for these things instead of pursuing the true essence of our prayers.

These things may have been answers indeed, but only answers to the broken prayers we prayed when we have not yet uncovered our true desires. They have been sent according to our faith, but that doesn’t mean they are the true answers to our deepest desires. They may only be there to help us dig deeper, to ask ourselves what it is we truly want. If they can satisfy us now, then well and good. But if not, if we can’t pray a prayer of thanksgiving with a heart overflowing in joy and gratitude, then let go of these things. These are not yet the answers you are searching for.

b. We change our minds even before we get the desired results

Sometimes it happens that even before the answer to our prayer arrives, we retract our prayers and ask for something else instead. And after doing so, we change our minds again and ask for another thing, and then another thing, and then another. How do you expect then to get the answers you want? If you keep on changing your mind, you only prove you do not know what it is you really want, and that’s why you cannot persist in your prayers. You just keep on jumping from one prayer to another hoping that you may finally hit the jackpot by randomly guessing on what you really desire to have.

Consider the blind man whom Jesus healed:

And it came to pass, as he drew nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And they that went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God. – Luke 18:35-43

Though the people rebuked him, though they urged him to keep quiet, the man continued to cry out to Jesus. He knew his need and he believed that Jesus can grant him the answer to his prayer.

Unlike the blind man, some people nowadays listen more to the people rebuking them than to the inner desires in their hearts. Often, we believe these people, and we allow them to make us believe our prayers can’t be or don’t deserve to be answered.

Don’t listen to these people. Listen to your heart, because somewhere in there, God had planted a sacred seed of desire that will bring you to your happiness, to the destiny He has planned for you all along, if only you will believe.

So go ahead and pray. Pray your deepest, innermost desires. For such is the secret to answered prayers. Believe that God listens and God longs for you to have your prayers answered. Pray fervently, do not give up. For as you might have observed, Jesus never turned down anyone who’s ever asked Him for anything; NOT ONE.

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Are You Overflowing With Joy?

There are times in our journey when we are so filled with joy that we can’t help but give joy to others as well. We are like guitar strings that have been plucked, and that resonate that joyful music which inspires other people who hear it. Are you so filled with joy that you overflow? God bless this moment! Treasure it forever in your heart.

Why Not?

You ask me why I’m happy?

I am happy because I have a great inheritance.
My Father is the King of the Universe,
And I am a daughter of royal blood.

My time never runs out
For my time is forever;
Never will I worry of the moment,
For mine are the eternal reaches of time.

My peace surpasses the understanding of the wisest men
For it is a peace that never shatters
With the most troubling shadows of the night.
It is a peace that comes from the spring of letting go,
Completely letting go.

You ask me why I’m happy?
I ask you rather, why not?

A Poem of Joy

Sing me a new song,
and let us dance with glee;
Come paint me a rainbow,
and remind me that I’m free!

Hug me and kiss me,
and let us dance for joy!
Declare this a new day,
in triumphant voice.

For my heart can’t contain
such a feeling of bliss,
For my heart cannot ponder
what has come from abyss.

In the spur of a moment,
in the blink of an eye,
all that’s before us is gladness,
all around is delight!

There’s a shower of blessing,
there’s a pouring of light.
There’s a flooding of flowers,
in a world that is bright.

Had I lived before,,
I have never really lived.
For today is the day,
that I have learned how to live!

I will give of my all,
I will share what is mine.
I will search all the earth
to make love yours and mine.

God has blessed me indeed,
God has blessed you and me,
For once I was blind,
but now I can see!

Free Spirit

I’d like to be free from this body

Be anywhere I wish to be

Zoom

Zap

Zing!

Be everywhere

As light as air

Shifting

Turning

Blazing like fire

Blowing

Roaming

Free willing

Spirit forever changing

Yet always remaining

Wings unwavering

Yet always yielding

Touching

Empowering

Illuminating

Surrendering only to eternal bliss

Soaring Higher

Why should I be afraid to fly?
And why should I be afraid to try?
When I was born to meet the sky;
I was born to meet the sky and fly!

I may fall once,
I may fall twice,
I may fall so many times,
But I will not fall always!
I will try again and again and fly!

Spread your wings now,
Get ready!
Let go of your fears
as you leave the ground.
Be prepared now, steady.
You’re getting better,
You’re flying faster,
You’re soaring higher up the sky!

Most people measure their happiness in terms of physical pleasure and material possession. Could they win some visible goal which they have set on the horizon, how happy they could be! Lacking this gift or that circumstance, they would be miserable. If happiness is to be so measured, I who cannot hear or see have every reason to sit in a corner with folded hands and weep. If I am happy in spite of my deprivations, if my happiness is so deep that it is a faith, so thoughtful that it becomes a philosophy of life, —if, in short, I am an optimist, my testimony to the creed of optimism is worth hearing. -Helen Keller

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We have a skewed vision of what’s beautiful –
we see people who don’t take their relationships seriously
and we envy them
we see them as gods and goddesses to be desired
but we don’t see the way they break other people’s hearts

We have a skewed vision of what’s beautiful –
we see powerful men who assert their strength over others
and we applaud them for their conquests in war
but we don’t see the people they have hurt or killed
or how they chose violence over mercy

What is something beautiful for you?
will rough hands that labored to feed their children do?
will scars borne out of sacrifice to defend one’s beloved do?

There are wrinkles that show wisdom
and meekness that show great strength,
there is a gentleness that far exceeds
violence in power
and there is a silence that tells us more
than boastful voices ever do

How about you?
What is something beautiful for you?

There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance,
nothing to attract us to him.
He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.

-ISAIAH 53:2-5

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What does it take to have faith?
a trusting heart?
credibility of the person concerned?
good experience?
a big chance of an event happening?

Why is faith necessary anyways?
couldn’t we just act out of valid proofs?
couldn’t we just value things
that are a hundred percent certain to succeed?

I don’t know either
I can’t say I have all the answers
whoever does?

I just have faith that somehow
things do turn out for the better
and that there is a reason for everything
that happens around us, and within us

There is so much going on
that we can’t understand
but it is either that everything is futile
or that everything makes perfect sense somewhat

It is either this life is
the most tragic event there is
or by faith, this life is
the most beautiful thing that ever took place in time!

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And when nothing works
I go back to where I was
to places I had been
and I try to bring back
the happy memories
times when I was
where I was supposed to be.

But sometimes memories are not enough
to feed one’s heart,
for soon I also get tired
of remembering
tired of looking back
tired of not being able
to bring back
the happy days before.

And in my tiredness
all I could do is rest –
one step at a time,
one breath,
one thought,
one heartbeat,
that is all that I could do,
and I guess that’s enough
for a while,
until I get my strength back,
my will,
my meaning,
my life.

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There’d be times when you’d say
“Enough is enough,
I’ve really had it now,
why bother trying?”
Yeah, there’d be times you’d get so tired
but still, BEGIN AGAIN.

There’d be times you’d think
you’ve just lost everything
times you’ve risked it all
and got back nothin’
Times like that you’d feel
everything you’ve worked so hard for
were in vain, but BEGIN AGAIN.

Begin again,
try again,
believe again,
love again.

There’d be a second wind,
there’d be another star,
there’d be another hand,
to help you rise again.

Don’t start quitting,
never stop dreaming.
A new tomorrow waits
for those who dare –
to BEGIN AGAIN.

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