You seem to be living such a great and exciting life.  The life I wish I have.  Since we met, you have influenced me a lot.  All my dreams that I just thought of, you made me reach for them.  All those things I have always wanted to do but never had the chance or stop myself from doing, I am beginning to do them one by one.  Dancing is just one of them.  I have always loved to dance yet, I stopped.  Now, I am trying to pick up those steps and those moves again.  It is hard, I must say.  Well, my life had almost been stationary in the past 9 years.  I am starting to pick up on my piano lessons and will start with violin in July.  I am traveling more now.  Trying to live the life I want.  Trying to find more meaning in this life.  And the more I know you, the more I want to be with you.  The more I want to be part of your world.  The more I want to be closer to you as a friend.  Thank you.  Thanks for making me realize how life should be lived.

It has been a while since I watched a show like this.  Our mass media has been so commercialized that the shows they create are those that are popular and low budget.  Shows like fantaseryes, sexy stuff, action and suspense showing us a culture of violence or those that help us escape from reality.  May Bukas Pa is really a breakthrough.  It is the only show I know that teaches people the right values and a lot of valuable lessons about life.

The main character is named Santino, an orphan boy about 6 years old.  He was brought up by priests in the monastery after he was found in the cemetery.  Being brought up by religious priests, he grew up as a very fine young boy who was able to heal the sick and talk to Jesus face to face.  He calls Jesus Bro and shows absolute faith in our Creator.

The writers were able to show us different areas in different lives, the problems and mistakes mortals do and how they should deal with those.

One of my favorite episodes was when Santino handed the Mayor (the antagonist) a stone and said something like what Jesus said when the people are punishing Mary Magdalene:  He who has not sinned, cast the first stone.  Guilt  overwhelmed the greedy mayor so he turned and ran away.

I have watched the 3 day 3 hour marathon during the Holy Week.  I must say if you are a parent, May Bukas Pa is a TV program you would want your kids to watch.  It is shown every Mondays to Fridays at 8pm in ABS CBN.

If you think you
are beaten, you are;
If you think you
dare not, you don’t;

If you’d like to win,
but think you’ll
lose, you’re lost.

For out in the world
we find success begins
with a person’s faith;

It’s all in the
state of mind.

Life’s battle
don’t always go
to the stronger
or faster hand;
They go to the one
who trusts in God
and always thinks

“I can.”

I’ve learned
that you cannot make someone love you.
All you can do is
be someone who can be loved.
The rest is up to them.

I’ve learned -
that no matter how much I care,
some people just don’t care back.

I’ve learned -
that it takes years to build up trust,
and only seconds to destroy it.

I’ve learned -
that it’s not what you have in your life
but who you have in your life that counts.

I’ve learned -
that you can get by on charm
for about fifteen minutes.
After that, you’d better know something.

I’ve learned -
that you shouldn’t compare
yourself to the best others can do
but to the best you can do.

I’ve learned -
that it’s not what happens to people
that’s important. It’s what they do about it.

I’ve learned -
that you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.

I’ve learned -
that no matter how thin you slice it,
there are always two sides.

I’ve learned -
that it’s taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.

I’ve learned -
that it’s a lot easier
to react than it is to think.

I’ve learned -
that you should always leave
loved ones withloving words.
It may be the last time you see them.

I’ve learned -
that you can keep going
long after you think you can’t.

I’ve learned -
that we are responsible for what we do,
no matter how we feel.

I’ve learned -
that either you control your attitude
or it controls you.

I’ve learned -
that regardless of how hot and steamy
a relationship is at first,
the passion fades and there had better be
something else to take its place.

I’ve learned -
that heroes are the people
who do what has to be done
when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.

I’ve learned -
that learning to forgive takes practice.

I’ve learned -
that there are people who love you dearly,
but just don’t know how to show it.

I’ve learned -
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I’ve learned -
that my best friend and I can do anything
or nothing and have the best time.

I’ve learned -
that sometimes the people you expect
to kick you when you’re down
will be the ones to help you get back up.

I’ve learned -
that sometimes when I’m angry
I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn’t give me
the right to be cruel.

I’ve learned -
that true friendship continues to grow,
even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I’ve learned -
that just because someone doesn’t love you
the way you want them to doesn’t mean
they don’t love you with all they have.

I’ve learned -
that maturity has more to do with
what types of experiences you’ve had
and what you’ve learned from them
and less to do with how many
birthdays you’ve celebrated.

I’ve learned _
that you should never tell a child
their dreams are unlikely or outlandish.
Few things are more humiliating, and
what a tragedy it would be
if they believed it.

I’ve learned -
that your family won’t always
be there for you. It may seem funny,
but people you aren’t related to
can take care of you and love you
and teach you to trust people again.
Families aren’t biological.

I’ve learned -
that no matter how good a friend is,
they’re going to hurt you
every once in a while
and you must forgive them for that.

I’ve learned -
that it isn’t always enough
to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn
to forgive yourself.

I’ve learned -
that no matter how bad
your heart is broken
the world doesn’t stop for your grief.

I’ve learned -
that our background and circumstances
may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.

I’ve learned -
that sometimes when my friends fight,
I’m forced to choose sides
even when I don’t want to.

I’ve learned -
that just because two people argue,
it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other
And just because they don’t argue,
it doesn’t mean they do.

I’ve learned -
that sometimes you have to put
the individual ahead of their actions.

I’ve learned -
that we don’t have to change friends
if we understand that friends change.

I’ve learned -
that you shouldn’t be so
eager to find out a secret.
It could change your life forever.

I’ve learned -
that two people can look
at the exact same thing
and see something totally different.

I’ve learned -
that no matter how you try to protect
your children, they will eventually get hurt
and you will hurt in the process.

I’ve learned -
that there are many ways of falling
and staying in love.

I’ve learned -
that no matter the consequences,
those who are honest with themselves
get farther in life.

I’ve learned -
that no matter how many friends you have,
if you are their pillar you will feel lonely
and lost at the times you need them most.

I’ve learned -
that your life can be changed
in a matter of hours
by people who don’t even know you.

I’ve learned -
that even when you think
you have no more to give,
when a friend cries out to you,
you will find the strength to help.

I’ve learned -
that writing, as well as talking,
can ease emotional pains.

I’ve learned -
that the paradigm we live in
is not all that is offered to us.

I’ve learned -
that credentials on the wall
do not make you a decent human being.

I’ve learned -
that the people you care most about in life
are taken from you too soon.

I’ve learned -
that although the word “love”
can have many different meanings,
it loses value when overly used.

I’ve learned -
that it’s hard to determine
where to draw the line
between being nice and
not hurting people’s feelings
and standing up for what you believe.

I just read this story in one of the forums that I am reading.  It is true… as women, we always forget how precious we are.

When God created woman he was working late on the 6th day, angel came by and said:

“Why spend more time on that one?”

And the Lord answered:

“Have you seen all the specifications I have to meet to shape her?”

“She must be washable, not made of plastic, have more than 200 moving parts which all must be replaceable and must function on all kinds of foods, she must be able to embrace several kinds at the same time, give an embrace that can heal anything from bruised knee to a broken heart and she must do all this with only two hands.”

The angel was impressed: “Just two hands?… impossible! And this is the standard model? Too much work for one day… wait until tomorrow and then complete her.”

“I will not” said the Lord, “I am close to complete this creation, which will be the favorite of my heart. She cures herself when sick and she works 18 hours a day. ”

And the angel came nearer and touched the woman.

“But you made her so soft, lord…”

“She is soft,” said the Lord “But I have also made her firm enough. You cannot imagine what she can endure and overcome.”

“Can she thinks?” the angel ask.

The lord answered: “not only she thinks, she can reason and negotiate.”

And the angel touched the woman cheek.

“Lord, it seems that this creation is leaking! You have put too many burdens on her.”

“She is not leaking… it’s a tear.” The Lord corrected the angel.

“What is that for?” asked the angel.

“Tears are for way of expressing her doubts, her love, her loneliness, her sufferings and her pride. ”

This made a big impression on the angel; “Lord you are genius, you thought of everything. The woman is indeed marvelous!”

“Indeed she is! Woman has strengths that amaze man. She can handle trouble and carry heavy burdens. She holds happiness, love and opinions. She smiles when feeling like screaming. She sings when feels like crying, cries when she is happy and laugh when she is scared. She fights for what she believes in. stands up against injustice. She doesn’t take no for an answer; when can see a better situation. She gives herself so her family can thrive. She takes her friends to the doctor if she is afraid. Her love is unconditional. She cries when her kids are victorious. She is happy when her friends are well. She is glad when she hears of a birth or a wedding. Her heart is broken when a next kin or friend dies. But finds strength to get on with life. She knows that a kiss and an embrace can heal a broken heart. There is only one thing wrong with her… She forgets what she is worth! ”

Article by Dr. Harold J. Sala of Starweek

Put your house in order, because you are going to die (Isaiah 38:1)

More and more of live is lived in a fast lane.  Many will take precious hours from you in the form of phone calls, interruptions, and endless detours.  How do you get out of the fast lane?

Guideline 1: Have a plan and stay with your plan.  You can’t do everything, so list the “must do” items in one column, “should do” in another, and the “can do” in the third.  Begin with the most important “must do” item and stay with that unti you are finished.

Guideline 2: Prioritize what isn’t negotiable - time with your spouse, family and God.  At heaven’s door, you won’t be asked how much time you spent at the office, but your relationships and how you’ve spent your time will all be on the docket.

Guideline 3: Simplify, simplify, simplify.  Having more does not always satisfy; having less usually simplifies.

Guideline 4: Make every day count.  That was exactly the point that Moses made when he wrote: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

The person who lives judiciously knows that the days of our years are numbered, and that’s why he strives to make each one count, waiting on God at the beginning of every day to know how to live with purpose.

Guideline 5: To the degree that you can, live every day without regrets.  You should so live that when you die, even the undertaker would be sorry.

Guideline 6: Slow down and enjoy the flowers.  You have no second chances for some things.  So say it now, write it now, enjoy it now, and leave tomorrow in God’s hands.

“What does the worker gain from his toil?  I have seen the burden God has laid on men.  He has made everything beautiul in its time.  He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. (Eccleciastes 3:9-12)

I have read this in one of the forums I had been visiting lately. I hope this inspires you as well as it has inspired me….

Dear God,

I am about to commit myself to someone I fell in love with. Can I take him now? I have prayed for him for quite some time now.

But God answered:

Not yet, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled and content with being loved by me alone. You need to give yourself totally

unreserved to me because in me your satisfaction is to be found. And when you learn to commit yourself to me alone then,

only then is the right time for you to be capable of a perfect human relationship that I have planned for you, long before you

thought about it. You will never be united with another until you are united with me. You will never learn to speak and

understand the true language of love until you hear me speak it. You will never learn how it is to love and be loved until

you feel the tender touch of my LOVE. I want you to stop planning. Stop wishing and allow me to step in and give you the

most surprising and exciting plan that you can imagine. You are my child. I want you to have the best. Please allow me to

bring it to you. Fix your eyes on me and expect the greatest things as you watch. Keep experiencing the satisfaction that

I AM. Learn all the things I tell you and be patient. Just wait. Don’t be anxious. Do not worry. Don’t look around and feel at the

things others may have got. Yours will be different because I LOVE YOU. Don’t look at things you think you want. They may

not be the things I want for you. Look up straight at me because you might miss what I want to show you. And then, when

you’re ready. I’ll surprise you with a lover far more wonderful than what you would ever dream of. But I won’t let you have it

until you are ready and the one I have prepared for you is ready, until you are both satisfied exclusively with me and the LIFE

I have prepared for you. FIND ME AND EVERYTHING ELSE THAT YOU THINK YOU NEED WILL BE PUT INTO YOUR LIFE!

Loving you,

God

As you might know, the head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her alarm clock didn’t go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.

One of them missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.

One’s car wouldn’t start.

One went back to answer the telephone .

One had a child that dawdled and didn’t get ready as soon as he should have.

One couldn’t get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.

Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone … all the little things that annoy me. I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment..

Next time your morning seems to be going wrong, the children are slow getting dressed, you can’t seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don’t get mad or frustrated; God is at work watching over you.

May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you remember their possible purpose

It was a rainy afternoon.  I didn’t bring my umbrella - first because it’s going to make my bag bulky, and;  second, I just feel lazy transferring it from my other bag.  I know, it’s rather stupid but I just don’t like umbrellas that much.  So, the day went on and it’s time to go home.  It’s still early so I still have time to drop by Padre Pio’s chapel.  It was drizzling and I was actually having second thoughts about going there - since I do not have an umbrella.  Still, I found myself inside the chapel.  A bit scared that the drizzling might turn to heavy rain once I’m done with my prayer, I prayed that the rain won’t start until I’m home and that I will be able to get a cab soon.  In spite of this, my turned to a rather hasty prayer.  I normally stay at the chapel long after I’m done praying but on that day, because of my fear of getting wet, I went out immediately after.  I rushed out of the chapel and was relieved that it’s not raining yet.  Then I walked out of the chapel compound.  On my way out, a taxi was entering the compound.  It didn’t take long for the taxi to come out again after dropping off it’s passengers in front of the chapel.  I know how hard it is to get a cab on rainy days.  A lot of people are riding the taxi aside from the fact the most taxis get trapped in the midst of heavy traffic.  Even if I get one, some won’t be willing to go to Cubao where I live coz the place is known for heavy traffic.  Yet, the cab driver was okay driving me home.

It may be a rather trivial thing for some.  But for me, it is one proof that God answers our prayers - no matter how trivial it may seem.

People always come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.

..

When someone is in your life for a REASON,

it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty,

or to provide you with guidance and support,

to aid you physically, emotionally, or even spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend to you, and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.

…

Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time,

this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

…

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they just walk away.

Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

…

When people come into your life for a SEASON,

it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.

They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

And like Spring turns to Summer and Summer to Fall,

the season eventually ends.

…

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;

those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway);

and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas in your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being part of my life.