Sunday, July 31, 2011

Faith in a messed up world

It isn’t easy to be a believer in today’s world.

To feel confident that despite the monumental economic hurdles, people’s financial lives will ever get better.

To see hope that in the near future, world citizens who had the misfortune of suffering unbearable and insurmountable calamities wrought by Mother Nature would ever get back on their feet again.

To imagine even a glint of light in a long dark tunnel of constant day-to-day hardships.

To feel any encouragement in relationships that have reached a forked road because of irreconcilable differences.

For many people, this feeling of wonder even for the worst of situations and seeing a gleam of positive forecast for tomorrow despite the gloominess of today is called FAITH.

Faith is a miracle drug that blessed human beings experience even when the world is spinning crazy and events are unfolding that dismay the majority. Feel lucky if you have faith because you know that no matter how bad anything goes, things can turn around and surprising developments can unfold before your eyes.

Faith stems from a genuinely positive thinker who can overcome any rough weather the day may bring. Anyone who can boast of possessing faith is a creature blessed to the core.

No, it isn’t easy to picture the positive when everywhere we look, there seems to be no reason to nurture hope. Nor does it come easy to feel encouraged or motivated when everyone around us is a prophet of doom. It is therefore up to us to uplift ourselves (be the solution rather than the problem), pumping up our sagging spirit and uplifting the energy in the Universe.

We are the master of our thoughts, the captain of our emotions, the director of our future. We should find inspiration from the amazing risen-from-the-ashes Phoenix so that even when we are faced with the greatest obstacles or fighting the most challenging battles of our lifetime, we can rise to the occasion… and get up from our personal downfall.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Does our soul scream I AM BEAUTIFUL?

Sometimes it takes a story (never mind if it’s the product of someone’s very creative imagination) to make us see a point. Soul beautification screams loud in this thought-provoking piece. Thanks to my high school friend (Lina) for sharing this story which, I’m sure, the soul searchers among us can absolutely appreciate.

The Four Lovers

Once upon a time, there was a Queen who had four lovers.

She loved the 4th lover the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but the Best.

She also loved the 3rd lover very much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.

She also loved her 2nd lover. He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever the Queen faced a problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.

The Queen's 1st lover was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first lover. Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him.

One day, the Queen fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, I now have four lovers with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone.

Thus, she asked the 4th lover, "I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

'No way!' replied the 4th lover, and he walked away without another word.

His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.

The sad Queen then asked the 3rd lover, "I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

'No!' replied the 3rd lover. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to love someone else!'

Her heart sank and turned cold.

She then asked the 2nd lover, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"

'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!' replied the 2nd lover. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.'

His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the Queen was devastated.

Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.'

The Queen looked up, and there was her first lover. He was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.

Greatly grieved, the Queen said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"

In truth, you have 4 lovers in your life:

Your 4th lover is your body. No matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.

Your 3rd lover is your possessions, status and wealth. When you die, it will all go to others.

Your 2nd lover is your family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you,the furthest they can stay by you is up to the Grave.

And your 1st lover is your Soul, often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.

However, your Soul is the only thing that will follow you where ever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout eternity.

Thought for the day:

Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.

Pass this on to someone you care about - *I just did.*

Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections.

I hope this touched you! God bless you.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

HONOR GOD. MAKE DISCIPLES.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Divine planning

Exactly three months ago today, something happened that made the history books. As my brother had pointed out to me, the week of April 25^th had been an interesting mix of world events: (1) the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in England on Friday (April 29^th); (2) the beatification of Pope John Paul II in Rome on Sunday morning (May 1^st); (3) the assassination of the 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Ladin in Pakistan on Monday (May 2^nd). All three events generated mixed feelings of joy (for the English and Catholics) and sadness (for the bin Ladin worshippers).

Everywhere these occurrences happened, there were throngs of people. The multitude of people at the first two events were jubilant folks, those who believed in the “happily ever after” of Diana’s firstborn finding his commoner match and the celebrative faithful who rejoiced in the coming sainthood of a papal figure much revered and loved.

Unfortunately, the last event was violently inspired with U.S. military men pulling the trigger on a much sought after international fugitive, thus ending his reign of terrorism. It certainly was a sad day for bin Ladin’s faithful followers, but I’m sure that everyone in America and all over the world who realized the negative influence of this man made a collective sigh of relief. It’s too bad that his life had to end for the sake of world peace.

My curious mind got me thinking: What if the events happened in the reverse… with bin Ladin’s death occurring first before the wedding and beatification? Would the celebratory and joyous occasions been strongly marred by news of the terrorist leader’s assassination? It’s another fitting moment when I couldn’t help but ponder on the goodness of the All-Knowing Lord. He is the expert in world event planning, and in His Book, the happy occasions should have preceded the tragedy.

Although there’s no telling what the near future holds for world peace efforts, my personal wish is that now will be the dawn of the winding down of terrorist attacks. We just can’t go on risking military and civilian lives and, for many people in the world, living in constant fear for their safety. It’s time that the U.S. troops got themselves home to their loved ones and back to a world where bullets and ammunitions stay out of commission.

There’s no doubt that the past April/May events happened at a time they really should. After all, nothing really transpires without the planning of a Power greater than any of us.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Prayers to become a better human being

People might think that they can’t help how they behave, feel and think. But when we are aware of our flaws and recognize our personal demons, there is a way to make ourselves better!

Prayers, or having daily conversations with our God, can help get us out of that dark hole of far-from-shining human qualities. As the wise saying goes, if there’s a will, there’s a way!

prayer.php?p=2849

O Master, Lord Jesus Christ, You patiently endured our sins, and were hung upon the life giving wood. You opened a way to paradise for the penitent thief and crushed Death by Your death. Now forgive the trespasses that we Your servants have committed, unworthy sinners that we are. We have sinned indeed and transgressed Your law. We are unworthy even to lift up our eyes to heaven, for we have abandoned the path of Your holiness and pursued the desires of our hearts. But now we implore Your immense goodness. Spare us, 0 Lord in the multitude of Your mercies; save us for the sake of Your most Holy Name. Our days were spent in vanity; rest us from the hands of our enemy, and forgive our sins. Subdue in us the cravings of our flesh, so that, after putting off the old self, we may put on the new and live for You, our Lord and Benefactor; and that, obeying Your commandments, we may reach eternal repose in the place where all the blessed abide; for You are truly Joy and Delight to those who love You, 0 Christ our God. We send up glory to You, and to Your eternal Father, and to Your all-holy, gracious, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and forever.
Amen.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Whining and dining

Once in a while I like to go out of the office and spend a leisurely lunch. I’ve done this a few times recently, with just me and my shadow.

One day not too long ago, a couple of female associates asked me to join them for lunch at an all-you-can-eat, busy eatery a nice drive from the office. The buffet offerings were the answer to human starvation, a genuine gustatory delight. Appetizers that tantalized the taste buds. Soup varieties that refreshed the soul. Delectable meats that tickled the palate. Fresh vegetables and salads to die for. Desserts that were sinfully delicious.

For someone who got used to blah homemade sandwiches and Mexican burritos for the daily lunch at the office, that rare treat at the buffet table was, at the risk of sounding cheesily trite, sheer manna from heaven. I was enjoying my first full work meal for the first time in a long while when my associates started talking about our workplace. As it turned out, the whole lunch time turned out to be a gripe session.

Both women had bones to pick with the man who managed their department. Hearing them share their not-so-titillating work experiences, I did sympathize with their plight. I never wear blinders to the office and the women simply verbalized what I had known for a long time: Our office environment was a Boys’ Club... continues to be so... and always will be! The female employees may get the second class citizen treatment, real or imagined, but the door isn't locked or permanently shut. No one is held hostage and anyone can easily leave if they can't stand the male dominant setting.

Although one can say that an unEqual Opportunity Employer ambiance exists in our company, if a female associate felt unhappy enough, she could always walk out the door. Fortunately, my situation isn’t as bad as the two women’s experiences. Although it’s a Boys' Club alright, my relationship with the guys have always been cordial and comfortable. In fact, one male associate who left years ago still contacts me by e-mail. Another one who moved up the corporate ladder in his company even asked me if I would work there. I have always received a lot of respect from the males in the office and perhaps it’s due to the fact that I’ve always been respectful of boundaries. For the past seven years, I’ve come to work and did my job without getting in anyone’s way.

My belief is that if a woman reports for duty, does her job to the best of her ability, doesn’t “shit” where she “eats” (pardon my obscene language, but you know what I mean) and doesn’t bite the hand that feeds her, she should be fine. After all, we’re not looking for long-lasting friendships with the people with whom we share our workplace, but if it happens, it’s a lovely bonus!

It certainly feels good to rant and rave about the injustices in the work jungle. I agree, it's a good exercise to do it once in a while. Just get it out of our system so that we can breathe easier! It might actually be good for our mental health and will save us the expense at the shrink’s office. But once the venting lunch is done and we walk through the office door, the boss expects the best performance from us… and we better deliver.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Doctor Garlic

Thanks to my BFF (Josie), I swear by the medicinal advantage of garlic. My recent episode of chest congestion found a cure by drinking a cup of boiled water with sliced cloves of garlic and chewing the garlic during my sick days. The taste might have been far from agreeable, but it waved the magic wand to my unhealthy situation.

According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garlic:

Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive,^[1] and rakkyo.^[2] Dating back over 6,000 years, garlic is native to central Asia,^[3] and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a frequent seasoning in Asia, Africa, and Europe. It has been used throughout its history for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

Garlic’s health benefits and uses (http://www.garlic-central.com/garlic-health.html):

A natural antibiotic.
Aged garlic can have a powerful antioxidant effect.
Used extensively in herbal medicine.
Considered by many as a “wonder drug” as it has a reputation of preventing the common cold and flu.
Used to treat symptoms of acne.
Raw garlic can help manage high chloresterol levels.
Can be used as an effective natural mosquito repellant.

Garlic’s negative side effects (http://www.garlic-central.com/garlic-health.html):

Produces the classic “garlic breath.”
Used to excess, eating raw garlic can irritate or damage the digestive tract.
Allergy to garlic can cause skin rash, temperature and headaches.
Eating garlic prior to surgery can potentially disrupt anti-coagulants.
When combined with a medication used to treat HIV/AIDS, eating garlic can be potentially harmful.

Additional information on the use and health benefits of garlic can be found in

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=60.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Reasons behind the Senior Benefits cut

The following information (forwarded in an e-mail by my BFF… Josie, thanks!) should provide food for thought for the Baby Boomers… Please don't shoot the messenger!

WHY THE CUT IN U. S. SENIOR BENEFITS?
"snopes" is provided for doubters:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/immigration/bankofamerica.asp

Now................

I hope the following 14 reasons are forwarded over and over again until they are read so many times that the reader gets sick of reading them. I have included the URL's for verification of the following facts.

1. $11 Billion to $22 billion is spent on welfare to illegal aliens each year. http://tinyurl.com/zob77

2. $2.2 Billion dollars a year is spent on food assistance programs such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal aliens. http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html

3. $2.5 Billion dollars a year is spent on Medicaid for illegal aliens. http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexechtml

4. $12 Billion dollars a year is spent on primary and secondary school education for children here illegally and they cannot speak a word of English! http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.0.html

5. $17 Billion dollars a year is spent for education for the American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

6. $3 Million Dollars a DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal aliens. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

7. 30% percent of all Federal Prison inmates are illegal aliens. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

8. $90 Billion Dollars a year is spent on illegal aliens for Welfare & social services by the American taxpayers.
http://premium.cnn.com/TRANSCIPTS/0610/29/ldt.01.html

9. $200 Billion Dollars a year in suppressed American wages are caused by the illegal aliens. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

10. The illegal aliens in the United States have a crime rate that's two and a half times that of white non-illegal aliens! In particular, their children, are going to make a huge additional crime problem in the US http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/12/ldt.01.html

11. During the year of 2005 there were 4 to 10 MILLION illegal aliens that crossed our Southern Border also, as many as 19,500 illegal aliens from Terrorist Countries. Millions of pounds of drugs, cocaine, meth, heroine and marijuana, crossed into the U. S from the Southern border. Homeland Security Report: http://tinyurl.com/t9sht

12. The National Policy Institute, "estimated that the total cost of mass deportation would be between $206 and $230 billion or an average cost of between $41 and $46 billion annually over a five year period." http://www.thenationalpolicyinstitute.org/publications/?b=deportation

13. In 2006 illegal aliens sent home $45 BILLION in remittances back to their countries of origin. http://www.rense.com/general75/niht.htm

14. "The Dark Side of Illegal Immigration: Nearly One Million Sex Crimes Committed by Illegal Immigrants In The United States ". http://www.drdsk.com/articleshtml

The total cost is a whooping $ 338.3 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR!

If this doesn't bother you then just delete the message, but on the other hand,if it does raise the hair on the back of your neck, then forward it.

Remember folks I'm just passing it on!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Joke break

In 2009, my BFF (thanks, Josie!) sent me an e-mail that contained the following jokes. I must have saved them for a time when I need to laugh and take a break from the cranky world. May these funnies make you smile or take away your moment’s worry…

============================

A little boy was waiting for his mother to come out of the grocery store. As he waited, he was approached by a man who asked, "Son, can you tell me where the Post Office is?"

The little boy replied, "Sure! Just go straight down this street a coupla blocks and turn to your right."

The man thanked the boy kindly and said, "I'm the new pastor in town. I'd like for you to come to church on Sunday. I'll show you how to get to Heaven."

The little boy replied with a chuckle. "Awww, come on... You don't even know the way to the Post Office."

============================

A married Irishman went into the confessional and said to his priest, “I almost had an affair with another woman.”

The priest said, “What do you mean, almost?”

The Irishman said, “Well, we got undressed and rubbed together, but then I stopped.”

The priest said, “Rubbing together is the same as putting it in. You're not to see that woman again. For your penance, say five Hail Mary's and put $50 in the poor box.”

The Irishman left the confessional, said his prayers, and then walked over to the poor box. He paused for a moment and then started to leave.

The priest, who was watching, quickly ran over to him saying, “I saw that. You didn't put any money in the poor box!”

The Irishman replied, “Yeah, but I rubbed the $50 on the box, and according to you, that's the same as putting it in!”

============================

There once was a religious young woman who went to confession. Upon entering the confessional, she said, “Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.”

The priest said, “Confess your sins and be forgiven.”

The young woman said, “Last night my boyfriend made mad passionate love to me seven times.”

The priest thought long and hard and then said, “Squeeze seven lemons into a glass and then drink the juice.”

The young woman asked, “Will this cleanse me of my sins?”

The priest said, “No, but it will wipe that smile off of your face.”

============================

Muldoon lived alone in the Irish countryside with only a pet dog for company. One day the dog died, and Muldoon went to the parish priest and asked, “Father, my dog is dead. Could ya' be saying a mass for the poor creature?”

Father Patrick replied, “I'm afraid not; we cannot have services for an animal in the church. But there are some Baptists down the lane, and there is no tellin' what they believe. Maybe they'll do something for the creature.”

Muldoon said, “I'll go right away Father. Do ya think $5,000 is enough to donate to them for the service?”

Father Patrick exclaimed, “Sweet Mary, Mother of Jesus! Why didn't ya tell me the dog was Catholic?”

============================

And my favorite:

An elderly man walks into a confessional. The following conversation ensues:

Man: “I am 92 years old, have a wonderful wife of 70 years, many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Yesterday, I picked up two college girls, hitchhiking. We went to a motel, where I had sex with each of them three times.”

Priest: “Are you sorry for your sins?”
Man: “What sins?”

Priest: “What kind of a Catholic are you?”
Man: “I'm Jewish.”

Priest: “Why are you telling me all this?”
Man: “I'm 92 years old ... I'm telling everybody.”

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Rainy day prayers

Sometimes it doesn’t rain when we need moisture so badly. Other times, it pours without let-up, so much so that the roads get flooded and become unnavigable. In my part of the world, it's been an unusually wet Summer. Although most days enjoy the scorchy hot weather, most evenings we're in for a downpour. Thunderstorms add violent punctuation to the wild splashes of water coming from above. Even hailstorm can arrive without warning.

People in Asia who had experienced tsunami-like conditions most likely feel the onset of paranoia at the sight of rising waters. I know someone named Jane who can't help but flashback to the memories of the time when continuous rains flooded the cities and the citizens had to swim for their lives. My prayer is that such a catastrophe never happens again.

Below are prayers for just the right may-it-rain or please-don't-let-it-rain-too-much situation.

PRAYER FOR RAIN

http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=1630

O God, in Whom we live and move, and have our being, grant us rain, in due abundance, that, being sufficiently helped with temporal, we may the more confidently seek after eternal gifts. Through Christ, our Lord.
Amen

PRAYER FOR PROTECTION AGAINST STORMS AND FLOODS

http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=2605

Graciously hear us, O Lord, when we call upon You, and grant unto our supplications a calm atmosphere, that we, who are justly afflicted for our sins, may, by Your protecting mercy, experience pardon. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen

Friday, July 22, 2011

Prayers to overcome excessive behavior

Until I started my research on prayers, I didn’t know that a prayer to overcome vanity, greed over-indulgence, excessive pride nor out-of-control anger were available. What a Eureka! moment!

A PRAYER FOR POWER TO OVERCOME VANITY

http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=1546

Vanity was not the way of the Lord! Through purity of soul and intent, He accomplished His Divine work. While He shared with those who listened, He submitted His knowledge to be digested, Indicating it was the way to salvation, Leaving each with the freedom to choose. The way of Jesus was free of egotism; I admire Your perfection my Lord! Jesus, teach me to control my pride: May it never reach the extent of vanity. I seek to model You as a humble child!

A PRAYER FOR MIGHT AGAINST GREED

http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=1501

Displaying the treasures of Your work, Jesus, You invited me to follow You, To sell my goods, to give to the poor, And to completely submit Myself to You. Desires for wealth leads to greed, Satisfaction never being reached. He who seeks no earthly possessions Is free of all avarice aspirations. Jesus, edify my weak human nature, To resist unnecessary commodities, Those classified as evident luxury. May I subdue all greedy tendencies!

A PRAYER FOR TEMPERANCE

http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=1621

Jesus, You practiced temperance; You were the Model of self-restraint, Never over-indulging in the temporal. My body being the Temple of the Lord, I must treat it with ongoing respect. Self-abuse destroys the body; Be it alcohol, drugs, or excess food. Lord Jesus, bestow fortitude upon me For my soul to control my body, To practice the virtue of temperance. Jesus, You are the source of my vigour. Through You, all is possible!

A PRAYER FOR CONTROL OF ANGER

http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=2256

O Lord, must I fear Your wrath? Retribution is Yours by right! May I never dishonour Your Divinity, My soul seeking to maintain Your love. Shape my being into earnest kindness, A reflection of Your perfection. Grant me the grace of self-control, That I may not display any anger. Should I have such an outburst, Instantly remind me to seek redress, For such is offensive to You. Anger is Yours alone to avenge!

A PRAYER FOR MODERATE PRIDE

http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=2590

Lord, Your creations display great pride, Achievements that continually resonate! Your Divine work luxuriates in eminence; Your Grandeur leaving me speechless! Resulting from Your intrinsic sweet nature, Exalted pride is Yours by legal right. Endow me with pride for my achievements; Sheltering me against impious vanity. May my life mirror spiritual balance, Respect and satisfaction in my endeavours. Your Divinity is reflected in all things; I behold the beauty of Your pride!

Budjie's Thoughts