Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Interesting comment!

I got this comment in my blog today:

“You seem to talk alot about God but yet seems like you have left Him long ago!?”

When I saw this comment, I was kinda shocked at how shallow this person is. No offence though. I was thinking… why would he/she make this kind of comment? How did he/she know if I have left God?

The question here is not about leaving God. The question I have is what or who is God to this person? I believe this person, let’s name him/her Z. Z should be someone I know or someone who knows who I am. I believe why Z said what he/she said was because he/she knows certain things, which are happening in my life.

So the question is... must someone do or meet a certain requirement(s) before he/she can be passed of as with God? Similarly, if someone else does not, does that qualify him/her to be not with God? This worries me because the whole idea of God is so messed up.

God is the reason why we do certain things, eg. attending services, reading the Bible, praying, etc. However, does doing all these things means that a person has God? This, I will not want to answer. Similarly, not attending service does not mean that a person is without God. He may just be going through some issues in life and he may be sorting them out at this current moment. Therefore, this really scares me! It is when people start to have a fixed view on certain things and they start to pass them off as a truth. Instead of helping, it may have deterring effects.

I am certainly not angry with that comment. I am, however, disappointed with what Z said, to pass off a certain conclusion based on his/her own reasoning. I do believe, like what I shared two posts ago, that we have to be wiser in our words, to be sensitive towards others. Words are powerful and they DO kill! Not literally but it can kill a man's soul!

Interesting comment!

I got this comment in my blog today:

“You seem to talk alot about God but yet seems like you have left Him long ago!?”

When I saw this comment, I was kinda shocked at how shallow this person is. No offence though. I was thinking… why would he/she make this kind of comment? How did he/she know if I have left God?

The question here is not about leaving God. The question I have is what or who is God to this person? I believe this person, let’s name him/her Z. Z should be someone I know or someone who knows who I am. I believe why Z said what he/she said was because he/she knows certain things, which are happening in my life.

So the question is... must someone do or meet a certain requirement(s) before he/she can be passed of as with God? Similarly, if someone else does not, does that qualify him/her to be not with God? This worries me because the whole idea of God is so messed up.

God is the reason why we do certain things, eg. attending services, reading the Bible, praying, etc. However, does doing all these things means that a person has God? This, I will not want to answer. Similarly, not attending service does not mean that a person is without God. He may just be going through some issues in life and he may be sorting them out at this current moment. Therefore, this really scares me! It is when people start to have a fixed view on certain things and they start to pass them off as a truth. Instead of helping, it may have deterring effects.

I am certainly not angry with that comment. I am, however, disappointed with what Z said, to pass off a certain conclusion based on his/her own reasoning. I do believe, like what I shared two posts ago, that we have to be wiser in our words, to be sensitive towards others. Words are powerful and they DO kill! Not literally but it can kill a man's soul!

Sunday, November 27, 2005

The Room

Check out this wonderful and touching story! I was browsing through some MSNSpaces and I happened to stumble into this little heaven... and that is where I got to read this beautiful illustration...

The Room

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features. Except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files , which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files , the first to catch my attention was one that read "People I Have Liked". I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.

This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match.
A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read", "Lies I Have Told", "Comfort I Have Given", "Jokes I Have Laughed At". Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents". I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts", I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With". The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwheming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him. Not here! Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.

"No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine.

It was written with His blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

Unknown Author

The Room

Check out this wonderful and touching story! I was browsing through some MSNSpaces and I happened to stumble into this little heaven... and that is where I got to read this beautiful illustration...

The Room

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features. Except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files , which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files , the first to catch my attention was one that read "People I Have Liked". I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.

This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match.
A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read", "Lies I Have Told", "Comfort I Have Given", "Jokes I Have Laughed At". Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents". I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.

Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts", I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With". The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwheming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please not Him. Not here! Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.

"No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine.

It was written with His blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

Unknown Author

Sensitivity

"Sensitivity means you're aware of others. you can see what's going on inside, not just outside. You can interpret body language as well as spoken language. A sensitive person looks into other people's eyes and can tell if they're pset, if they're being honest, if they're holding something back, or if they're angry. Sensitive people are observant, but gentle. They dont try to expose others, but rather support them and encourage them - senstive people know how to truly be with others, Being a Christian doesn't give a person the right to preach to others about their needs or to immediately try to fi those needs. A real disciple notices the need first, works to understand that need, and then decides what to do. Disciples don't exist to fix people, but to notice people."

From the book Devotion by Mike Yaconelli

Let's really start to be more sensitive to others. You may be of good intention but good intention can harm if not handle correctly! :) Have a blessed sunday!

Sensitivity

"Sensitivity means you're aware of others. you can see what's going on inside, not just outside. You can interpret body language as well as spoken language. A sensitive person looks into other people's eyes and can tell if they're pset, if they're being honest, if they're holding something back, or if they're angry. Sensitive people are observant, but gentle. They dont try to expose others, but rather support them and encourage them - senstive people know how to truly be with others, Being a Christian doesn't give a person the right to preach to others about their needs or to immediately try to fi those needs. A real disciple notices the need first, works to understand that need, and then decides what to do. Disciples don't exist to fix people, but to notice people."

From the book Devotion by Mike Yaconelli

Let's really start to be more sensitive to others. You may be of good intention but good intention can harm if not handle correctly! :) Have a blessed sunday!

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Perspective

Let's talk about our perspectives! Everyone has an own set of mindset, be it positive or negative. A good analogy of our perspectives is in this simple yet well known picture of a glass half filled with water. As we all know, the glass may be half-empty to some and be half full to others.

So is there anything wrong with either one of them? The answer is NO! Definitely not! This just shows how we look at things. For people who say that the glass is half-empty, they are the ones who will always focus on the negative aspect of things. As for the other group who thinks that the glass is hall filled, they are the ones who look on the brighter side of things. Since our views on things are free, which is the one you want to choose?

Let's take a look at those who see the glass as half-empty. People over here think that since the glass is half-empty, why should they then go and fill up the glass. Even if they were to fill up the glass, the glass will go back to its half-empty stage again! To these people, the glass will eventually be EMPTY! Therefore, it is HOPELESS to fill up the glass! What does this mean? This means that people with this view do not like to take actions. Most of the situations to them are more or less final! They do not believe that they can do anything to change the situation they are in. Even if they were to try and change, they will fail. As you can see, even before they have the courage to take a step, they have already handed themselves a report card, a report card that has a big four letters on them, F-A-I-L!

Now, let's take a look at the other group who see the glass as half full! People who see it in this way know that they are half way to a filled glass of water! They will then want to fill up the glass; enthusiastic about wanting to have a full glass of water. Therefore, they are the ones who know that they have the power to change the situations they are in. The situations they are in are not final and if they start to make the right move/actions, also known as filling up the glass, they will be able to change a bad situation into a good one (a filled glass). Nothing in final is life. They will never resign to life. Instead, they see that life is challenging and fun. Life is full of opportunities for them to exercise their power to shape a situation! They are hopeful and they believe!

Belief is important! Belief gives us a hope! This hope in turns stirs us, which leads to actions! Actions get things going. When things start to move, results, good and bad start to show! This is when situation starts to change! At this point, the point is not about whether the results are good or bad. Results are determined by the actions! But the point I am emphasizing here is that when you are positive, you believe you can change any given situation, which are unfavorable. When you believe, you will start to make the necessary (good) actions, which will lead ultimately to a (good) ending!

After saying so much, let me emphasize this again. Perspectives are free! It does not cost you anything to think positive! It certainly does not cost you anything to think negative too! Therefore, since being positive gives you a chance to change things for the better, and that having this perspective, it is free, why not choose a positive perspective! When you are in a negative situation, being negative does not make it positive. However, being positive gives you a hope to make it positive! Thus, I can certainly conclude that having a positive mindset put you in a no lose situation. You may fail to make it positive but at least, you tried. But see it this way, what if you do succeed?

Start looking at the brighter side of things... Everything will gradually become more and more beautiful, as you no longer focus on the negative aspect of things but instead, you learn how to appreciate and admire the already available positive attributes! Doesn't this make life more interesting and fun? Don't you think that you will be happier this way? Start living life on the right note! Be blessed!

Perspective

Let's talk about our perspectives! Everyone has an own set of mindset, be it positive or negative. A good analogy of our perspectives is in this simple yet well known picture of a glass half filled with water. As we all know, the glass may be half-empty to some and be half full to others.

So is there anything wrong with either one of them? The answer is NO! Definitely not! This just shows how we look at things. For people who say that the glass is half-empty, they are the ones who will always focus on the negative aspect of things. As for the other group who thinks that the glass is hall filled, they are the ones who look on the brighter side of things. Since our views on things are free, which is the one you want to choose?

Let's take a look at those who see the glass as half-empty. People over here think that since the glass is half-empty, why should they then go and fill up the glass. Even if they were to fill up the glass, the glass will go back to its half-empty stage again! To these people, the glass will eventually be EMPTY! Therefore, it is HOPELESS to fill up the glass! What does this mean? This means that people with this view do not like to take actions. Most of the situations to them are more or less final! They do not believe that they can do anything to change the situation they are in. Even if they were to try and change, they will fail. As you can see, even before they have the courage to take a step, they have already handed themselves a report card, a report card that has a big four letters on them, F-A-I-L!

Now, let's take a look at the other group who see the glass as half full! People who see it in this way know that they are half way to a filled glass of water! They will then want to fill up the glass; enthusiastic about wanting to have a full glass of water. Therefore, they are the ones who know that they have the power to change the situations they are in. The situations they are in are not final and if they start to make the right move/actions, also known as filling up the glass, they will be able to change a bad situation into a good one (a filled glass). Nothing in final is life. They will never resign to life. Instead, they see that life is challenging and fun. Life is full of opportunities for them to exercise their power to shape a situation! They are hopeful and they believe!

Belief is important! Belief gives us a hope! This hope in turns stirs us, which leads to actions! Actions get things going. When things start to move, results, good and bad start to show! This is when situation starts to change! At this point, the point is not about whether the results are good or bad. Results are determined by the actions! But the point I am emphasizing here is that when you are positive, you believe you can change any given situation, which are unfavorable. When you believe, you will start to make the necessary (good) actions, which will lead ultimately to a (good) ending!

After saying so much, let me emphasize this again. Perspectives are free! It does not cost you anything to think positive! It certainly does not cost you anything to think negative too! Therefore, since being positive gives you a chance to change things for the better, and that having this perspective, it is free, why not choose a positive perspective! When you are in a negative situation, being negative does not make it positive. However, being positive gives you a hope to make it positive! Thus, I can certainly conclude that having a positive mindset put you in a no lose situation. You may fail to make it positive but at least, you tried. But see it this way, what if you do succeed?

Start looking at the brighter side of things... Everything will gradually become more and more beautiful, as you no longer focus on the negative aspect of things but instead, you learn how to appreciate and admire the already available positive attributes! Doesn't this make life more interesting and fun? Don't you think that you will be happier this way? Start living life on the right note! Be blessed!

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Life

The past few weeks have really provoked my mind and thoughts I have not stumbled upon suddenly came rushing towards me head on. Emily Rose and just recently, the death of Eddie Guerrero.

Questions like what is really important in life and many others began to hit me. Is our dream the main priority in life? Or is it more than all that? Attaining our dreams and at the same time, not sacrificing that which is simple yet important in life, our love for our loved ones.

Eddie did that... He loved his family and he ran after his dreams, wrestling! He was a good man despite his pasts. It was an emotional lost for the wrestling world and for all the wrestling fans! You can see the love he left behind. He has indeed stole millions and millions of hearts. That became evident after his passing on... Grown men weeping at their lost, small kids crying in shock... Eddie had certainly impacted lives during his life.

Like in many of the superstars' testimonial, despite all these, they knew that he was a not even close to where he is now years backs. Life was dark and demons came attacking him from all corners. He had been through alot, fought many battles... and like what one of the superstars said, it is not how we start but how we end in life that matters! But when is the end? That is the question that hit me! We will never know when is the exact last day of our lives! Life is more than selfish gains, it is about discovering the lovely part of self. Coming in tune with oneself, to appreciate this world God has created and to admire the beauty God put in this wonderful world.

Emily Rose brought the reality of God closer to me. Eddie? He showed me that in this broken down and corrupted world, love is still pure. That love can touch the hearts of man, even the most hardened of individuals. Eddie loved! He sacrificed for his family. He sacrificed for his dream. He injured himself, so that he could perfect moves and bring more entertainment to the wrestling industry. Despite his on-screen heel (bad) personality, he is still loved by many... for his art, his professionalism and his passion for this business. When you mentioned Eddie these few days, you will be able to sense love... because he loved his fans, everyone... and everyone loves him too!

Life is short and unexpected! I mourn for Eddie's passing! This entry is dedicated to him! I do sincerely respect him, his works and everything else related to him. I am happy, however, that he found God and was devoted to know God more. His faith and his strength in God was inspiring too. I believe that he is resting comfortably in God's hands now! The only comfort towards death is to know that death is not the end... instead, it gives us an opportunity to go into aplaceof greater comfort, peace and love!

Life, there is more to life than money, religion and many others! Life is about relationships. Relationships with people and most importantly, our relationship with our Creator, the One who made all these possible!

Life

The past few weeks have really provoked my mind and thoughts I have not stumbled upon suddenly came rushing towards me head on. Emily Rose and just recently, the death of Eddie Guerrero.

Questions like what is really important in life and many others began to hit me. Is our dream the main priority in life? Or is it more than all that? Attaining our dreams and at the same time, not sacrificing that which is simple yet important in life, our love for our loved ones.

Eddie did that... He loved his family and he ran after his dreams, wrestling! He was a good man despite his pasts. It was an emotional lost for the wrestling world and for all the wrestling fans! You can see the love he left behind. He has indeed stole millions and millions of hearts. That became evident after his passing on... Grown men weeping at their lost, small kids crying in shock... Eddie had certainly impacted lives during his life.

Like in many of the superstars' testimonial, despite all these, they knew that he was a not even close to where he is now years backs. Life was dark and demons came attacking him from all corners. He had been through alot, fought many battles... and like what one of the superstars said, it is not how we start but how we end in life that matters! But when is the end? That is the question that hit me! We will never know when is the exact last day of our lives! Life is more than selfish gains, it is about discovering the lovely part of self. Coming in tune with oneself, to appreciate this world God has created and to admire the beauty God put in this wonderful world.

Emily Rose brought the reality of God closer to me. Eddie? He showed me that in this broken down and corrupted world, love is still pure. That love can touch the hearts of man, even the most hardened of individuals. Eddie loved! He sacrificed for his family. He sacrificed for his dream. He injured himself, so that he could perfect moves and bring more entertainment to the wrestling industry. Despite his on-screen heel (bad) personality, he is still loved by many... for his art, his professionalism and his passion for this business. When you mentioned Eddie these few days, you will be able to sense love... because he loved his fans, everyone... and everyone loves him too!

Life is short and unexpected! I mourn for Eddie's passing! This entry is dedicated to him! I do sincerely respect him, his works and everything else related to him. I am happy, however, that he found God and was devoted to know God more. His faith and his strength in God was inspiring too. I believe that he is resting comfortably in God's hands now! The only comfort towards death is to know that death is not the end... instead, it gives us an opportunity to go into aplaceof greater comfort, peace and love!

Life, there is more to life than money, religion and many others! Life is about relationships. Relationships with people and most importantly, our relationship with our Creator, the One who made all these possible!

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Blinded by the E word!

Never let your present emotions blind your progress!

Once again, when I was having a casual chat with the same friend, I realized something new again! We were talking about his progress with this girl he likes and about the emotions he is having. Then, as I was encouraging and trying to lift up his spirits with my words, I typed out this phrase, “Never let your present emotions blind your progress!” Once again, my mind is slower than my hands. As I read what I have just typed, it made me realize that I have uncovered something priceless, something which I have been struggling with too.

Revelations or lessons I learnt from unconventional ways are priceless to me! They are unlike lessons I can learn from the normal means, eg. reading, school, etc. These revelations, as I like to call them, tells me that God is with me. I believe that we, normal humans who only use 3% of our brains, cannot really have these sudden sparks of brilliance out of the blue. Something or Someone must have push a certain button or cause a veil in a certain part of our brain to be removed! Like I have said, I always treasure these revelations and I do not want that to stop! It causes me to learn and improve myself; sometimes, getting myself out of the mud, which I, myself, have led myself in.

Let's now talk about the phrase I have just shared, “Never let your present emotions blind your progress!” Let me share it directly from my life. There are times when I knew that there is progress in a situation and that it is going smoothly. Then all of the sudden, something happened and it invoked some emotions within me, eg. perceiving that some is isolating from me. I know that this friendship is growing and is healthy. However, an action from that friend may have triggered some negative emotions.

When this happens, I will tend to be ignorant to the fact that before these emotions, we have a healty friendship. I will then focus on these negative emotions... deceiving myself, thinking that our friendship is not growing, instead, it is plunging. Therefore, emotions can really help us, when they are positive. The opposite is true. Emotions can also blind us, leading us to believe something, which may not be true. Despite all these, I sincerely believe that emotions are good! What we need to do is to be in control, instead of having it control us. Emotions can shed some light on certain areas, which we may be blinded to. However, in doing so, they can also lead us into another darkness, to a place where we cannot see reality.

What I have learnt from this is that I have to know the facts. I cannot deny a fact just by having a particular emotion. Things may be bleak but that is only from my perspective. It may not be the case. Therefore, I will always want to have a positive outlook to all things and I will not want to let my emotions tell me things or place conclusions in my head. Never let emotions blind my progress. God bless!

It is almost 6... almost time to knock off! One more day to the weekends... Hmm... Sad to say, this weekend is burnt! I have to work on both days! Haha... But all is good! It is only for this week! God bless you all and have a nice weekend on my behalf!

Blinded by the E word!

Never let your present emotions blind your progress!

Once again, when I was having a casual chat with the same friend, I realized something new again! We were talking about his progress with this girl he likes and about the emotions he is having. Then, as I was encouraging and trying to lift up his spirits with my words, I typed out this phrase, “Never let your present emotions blind your progress!” Once again, my mind is slower than my hands. As I read what I have just typed, it made me realize that I have uncovered something priceless, something which I have been struggling with too.

Revelations or lessons I learnt from unconventional ways are priceless to me! They are unlike lessons I can learn from the normal means, eg. reading, school, etc. These revelations, as I like to call them, tells me that God is with me. I believe that we, normal humans who only use 3% of our brains, cannot really have these sudden sparks of brilliance out of the blue. Something or Someone must have push a certain button or cause a veil in a certain part of our brain to be removed! Like I have said, I always treasure these revelations and I do not want that to stop! It causes me to learn and improve myself; sometimes, getting myself out of the mud, which I, myself, have led myself in.

Let's now talk about the phrase I have just shared, “Never let your present emotions blind your progress!” Let me share it directly from my life. There are times when I knew that there is progress in a situation and that it is going smoothly. Then all of the sudden, something happened and it invoked some emotions within me, eg. perceiving that some is isolating from me. I know that this friendship is growing and is healthy. However, an action from that friend may have triggered some negative emotions.

When this happens, I will tend to be ignorant to the fact that before these emotions, we have a healty friendship. I will then focus on these negative emotions... deceiving myself, thinking that our friendship is not growing, instead, it is plunging. Therefore, emotions can really help us, when they are positive. The opposite is true. Emotions can also blind us, leading us to believe something, which may not be true. Despite all these, I sincerely believe that emotions are good! What we need to do is to be in control, instead of having it control us. Emotions can shed some light on certain areas, which we may be blinded to. However, in doing so, they can also lead us into another darkness, to a place where we cannot see reality.

What I have learnt from this is that I have to know the facts. I cannot deny a fact just by having a particular emotion. Things may be bleak but that is only from my perspective. It may not be the case. Therefore, I will always want to have a positive outlook to all things and I will not want to let my emotions tell me things or place conclusions in my head. Never let emotions blind my progress. God bless!

It is almost 6... almost time to knock off! One more day to the weekends... Hmm... Sad to say, this weekend is burnt! I have to work on both days! Haha... But all is good! It is only for this week! God bless you all and have a nice weekend on my behalf!

Saturday, November 12, 2005

Happiness =)

Recently, I was discussing some stuff with a colleague of mine and something struck me. I was encouraging him on something and I was, as usual, rattling away. Suddenly, I noticed that I wrote something, which I did not really understand before. I wrote: "Happiness is found, not given." I only realised the punch of this sentence after I finished writing. I did not consciously write this down. Rather, I was just writing straight out from my thoughts.

I meditated on what I had written and kinda explain what I meant by this phrase to my friend. As I was explaining, supposedly to him, I was enlightening myself at the same time! I was totally amazed and I know that this was inspired by God! I really do thank God for these thoughts and revelations, which He had placed in me.

Happiness is truly not given. If we do wait for people to give us happiness, we may be bitter always. Why? It is because our mood will then depend on how other people treat us and whether the other party is willing to make your day. If the other party is in a bad mood and in turn, decide not to give lift you up, you will practically not get happiness. However, if our happiness is independent of others, we will always be happy whenever we want! All it takes is that we WANT to be happy. This way, we will be happy even if others are not giving us any positive remarks, reports, etc. In addition, we will be HAPPIER if others decide to give us some additional happiness! So this kinda says it! It is definitely better to find your own happiness, rather than to wait for happiness to be given. In this way, it is always a win-win situation!

I am a child of God,
Happy will I stay always!
I am a child of God,
no amount of sorrows can take my joy away,
for in Him, happiness is found!
Never will happiness be determined by others,
rather, I will find my own happiness,
in God, in myself and in the things I like!
Happiness is pure and is of me!
I am a child of God,
full of happiness I proclaim!

Happiness =)

Recently, I was discussing some stuff with a colleague of mine and something struck me. I was encouraging him on something and I was, as usual, rattling away. Suddenly, I noticed that I wrote something, which I did not really understand before. I wrote: "Happiness is found, not given." I only realised the punch of this sentence after I finished writing. I did not consciously write this down. Rather, I was just writing straight out from my thoughts.

I meditated on what I had written and kinda explain what I meant by this phrase to my friend. As I was explaining, supposedly to him, I was enlightening myself at the same time! I was totally amazed and I know that this was inspired by God! I really do thank God for these thoughts and revelations, which He had placed in me.

Happiness is truly not given. If we do wait for people to give us happiness, we may be bitter always. Why? It is because our mood will then depend on how other people treat us and whether the other party is willing to make your day. If the other party is in a bad mood and in turn, decide not to give lift you up, you will practically not get happiness. However, if our happiness is independent of others, we will always be happy whenever we want! All it takes is that we WANT to be happy. This way, we will be happy even if others are not giving us any positive remarks, reports, etc. In addition, we will be HAPPIER if others decide to give us some additional happiness! So this kinda says it! It is definitely better to find your own happiness, rather than to wait for happiness to be given. In this way, it is always a win-win situation!

I am a child of God,
Happy will I stay always!
I am a child of God,
no amount of sorrows can take my joy away,
for in Him, happiness is found!
Never will happiness be determined by others,
rather, I will find my own happiness,
in God, in myself and in the things I like!
Happiness is pure and is of me!
I am a child of God,
full of happiness I proclaim!

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Inspiration on Love

Just wanna share something, which I have conjured up while I was "busy" working! haha... I was just writing to God and a sudden inspiration came upon me! So here it is! Hope that you will like it just I did myself!

LOVE:

As Beautiful as it is, it can birth forth some ugly scenes;
As Simple as it is, it can complicate one's thoughts;
As Colourful as it is, it can darken your mood;
As Sweet as it is, you certainly do not want to taste the bitter part of it!

Just like Good and Evil,
there are two sides to LOVE,
there are two sets of emotions,
and there are certainly two sets of choice...
Make the right choice!

Choose the Beautiful side and your days will be filled with wonders;
Choose the simple side and you will be able to appreciate much more things;
Choose the Colourful side and your days will be much more interesteing;
Choose the Sweet side and you will never know how bitter the world can get!

Love is free but the emotions are not!
You gain when spirits are lifted up,
but it costs you when you hurt others.
It builds you up when others love you back,
but it can destroys you when they hurt you instead.

Above all, love others the way you want others to love you!

Inspiration on Love

Just wanna share something, which I have conjured up while I was "busy" working! haha... I was just writing to God and a sudden inspiration came upon me! So here it is! Hope that you will like it just I did myself!

LOVE:

As Beautiful as it is, it can birth forth some ugly scenes;
As Simple as it is, it can complicate one's thoughts;
As Colourful as it is, it can darken your mood;
As Sweet as it is, you certainly do not want to taste the bitter part of it!

Just like Good and Evil,
there are two sides to LOVE,
there are two sets of emotions,
and there are certainly two sets of choice...
Make the right choice!

Choose the Beautiful side and your days will be filled with wonders;
Choose the simple side and you will be able to appreciate much more things;
Choose the Colourful side and your days will be much more interesteing;
Choose the Sweet side and you will never know how bitter the world can get!

Love is free but the emotions are not!
You gain when spirits are lifted up,
but it costs you when you hurt others.
It builds you up when others love you back,
but it can destroys you when they hurt you instead.

Above all, love others the way you want others to love you!

Monday, November 07, 2005

Feeling of Isolation...

Feeling rather isolated in the office lately. That's because some stuff happened. However, I am not going to into the details. It was just some bad misunderstandings, which resulted in some unhappiness. This is what life is all about, human relationships... Haha! It can make you and it can certainly break. I did my part in moving forward into reconciliation. But I guess the misunderstanding is too deep for that move to materialise any time soon. Friends, 2 to be exacet, whom I used to joke and have fun with during office hours are now so distant! I know that I was not at fault and I have tried talking to them. It was their hard shell that deterred me from going any further.

I was rather affected by this and at times, it does run havoc in my mind! I tried to be positive and forgiving. I tried not to think too much and I tried not to put thoughts on how they view me in my mind. I pushed them away. This is how much I am affected! Now, work is a drag throughout the day, not as loud as compared to the past. However, I am certainly learning to cope and I am proud to say that I am coping well as each day passes.

Why? This is because I am not going through this alone. I get the emotions. Then, like a passing baton, I lift it up to God. I am reading this book, "Have you felt like Giving Up lately," and today, I read about the topic on spiritual dryness. The author shared on how we must maintain a life of prayer. This is one area that I am trying to do more. When feeling of isolation comes, I will take a minute off work and let God takes over.

Today after lunch, this sense of isolation came and I was really despaired. I managed to grab a piece of paper and then started penning my thoughts, how I felt and out from the heart flows all my tears. The emotions rushed out as I began to write. After pouring out my thoughts, I asked God to give me freedom from this. To be honest, I did not feel the freedom immediately. It is only now that I realised that I am free... The thoughts were not as strong and I am certainly happier. It certainly helps to incorporate God in all of my issues, good or bad. However, it is only during bad times that we bring Him in. Haha... During thriving seasons, God, for me, is often forgotten. Maybe once in a while, I will say "Thank God" casually and not really mean what I say. To think back, I really do feel a bit bad! It is like I am just using Him. Hmm...

Lord, I pray that you will help me appreciate you ALL the days of my life, not only in bad times but also in GOOD times!

I certainly enjoy this book that I am reading now. I enjoy flipping through each and every page, reading through each and every word! I will certainly be blessed! I believe not in the book but in God who brought his book to me, to encourage me! Thank you, Lord!

Feeling of Isolation...

Feeling rather isolated in the office lately. That's because some stuff happened. However, I am not going to into the details. It was just some bad misunderstandings, which resulted in some unhappiness. This is what life is all about, human relationships... Haha! It can make you and it can certainly break. I did my part in moving forward into reconciliation. But I guess the misunderstanding is too deep for that move to materialise any time soon. Friends, 2 to be exacet, whom I used to joke and have fun with during office hours are now so distant! I know that I was not at fault and I have tried talking to them. It was their hard shell that deterred me from going any further.

I was rather affected by this and at times, it does run havoc in my mind! I tried to be positive and forgiving. I tried not to think too much and I tried not to put thoughts on how they view me in my mind. I pushed them away. This is how much I am affected! Now, work is a drag throughout the day, not as loud as compared to the past. However, I am certainly learning to cope and I am proud to say that I am coping well as each day passes.

Why? This is because I am not going through this alone. I get the emotions. Then, like a passing baton, I lift it up to God. I am reading this book, "Have you felt like Giving Up lately," and today, I read about the topic on spiritual dryness. The author shared on how we must maintain a life of prayer. This is one area that I am trying to do more. When feeling of isolation comes, I will take a minute off work and let God takes over.

Today after lunch, this sense of isolation came and I was really despaired. I managed to grab a piece of paper and then started penning my thoughts, how I felt and out from the heart flows all my tears. The emotions rushed out as I began to write. After pouring out my thoughts, I asked God to give me freedom from this. To be honest, I did not feel the freedom immediately. It is only now that I realised that I am free... The thoughts were not as strong and I am certainly happier. It certainly helps to incorporate God in all of my issues, good or bad. However, it is only during bad times that we bring Him in. Haha... During thriving seasons, God, for me, is often forgotten. Maybe once in a while, I will say "Thank God" casually and not really mean what I say. To think back, I really do feel a bit bad! It is like I am just using Him. Hmm...

Lord, I pray that you will help me appreciate you ALL the days of my life, not only in bad times but also in GOOD times!

I certainly enjoy this book that I am reading now. I enjoy flipping through each and every page, reading through each and every word! I will certainly be blessed! I believe not in the book but in God who brought his book to me, to encourage me! Thank you, Lord!

More to Life!

This is a comment that I have posted on a fellow sister-in-Christ's msnspace, which I think was kinda inspiring. It was written without much thought. Oh! It certainly encouraged me and I hope that it will do the same for you too!

"We, being lazy, always think that there is still time... to enjoy the world before committing our lives to God. I, myself, face this kind of dilemma too. Is it worth it to know God now and to give up the world?

However, I know, after knowing God that... it is more than giving up your OWN time, your OWN world... but it is INCORPORATING God into our lives... not for the wrong things though. Don't get me wrong. But life is about discovering that, which has not been discovered together with our Creator!

It is like a kid building a sandcastle with his dad. Block of sand on top of another block of sand. Finding ways to strengthen this wonderful castle they are building...

Life is definitely more than work, bills and entertainment! Why do we want the best of one world when we can enjoy the best of both worlds! :)"

More to Life!

This is a comment that I have posted on a fellow sister-in-Christ's msnspace, which I think was kinda inspiring. It was written without much thought. Oh! It certainly encouraged me and I hope that it will do the same for you too!

"We, being lazy, always think that there is still time... to enjoy the world before committing our lives to God. I, myself, face this kind of dilemma too. Is it worth it to know God now and to give up the world?

However, I know, after knowing God that... it is more than giving up your OWN time, your OWN world... but it is INCORPORATING God into our lives... not for the wrong things though. Don't get me wrong. But life is about discovering that, which has not been discovered together with our Creator!

It is like a kid building a sandcastle with his dad. Block of sand on top of another block of sand. Finding ways to strengthen this wonderful castle they are building...

Life is definitely more than work, bills and entertainment! Why do we want the best of one world when we can enjoy the best of both worlds! :)"

Friday, November 04, 2005

Rest!!

At last... I was able to NOT go to work on a rainy morning! I was working for the past 4 days! haha... even though there were 2 holidays!!!! Hmpf! Haha... So here I am... early in the morning... with nothing much to do! The plan was to go for a swim... but just like I have mentioned... IT'S RAINING! =( So i guess that's off!

Oh! I got another agenda... I have to a radiology clinic for a Chest X-Ray! Wow... that's serious! I have been coughing for weeks and I have this wheezing sound when I breathe in and out. Of course, this is affecting my daily life. I pity my colleagues because they have to bear with my LOUD coughs and the bugs that I may be spreading! Muahaha... so yeah... may be going back to bed before making this trip down to Jurong East for the scan! Oh! After that, I will be going for my LONG-AWAITED haircut! I hate long and thick hair!!! They are so hard to style... man.... Thank God that this is THE DAY!!!! =)

Reviewing this post showed me that it is really unorganized! haha... with not theme at all! I guess this is just an update since it has been a while I last posted! Anyway, I am currently reading a book, sent to me by an anonymous person! The title of the book is "Have You Felt Like Giving Up Lately." I have to say the author who wrote this is really real... Not just about FAITH preaching. Rather he really comes from a human point and really review the struggles we all go through. Though I still struggle through some of the truths, coming to terms with some of it, I really enjoy this book! I am praying that God will continue to bless and strengthen me! =)

So as this is a blog which people whom I know may read and one of them may be the one who gave me this book, I just wanna say thanks! Haha... though it was weird like... the books you receive really depends on how people perceive your spiritual life! Haha... If you are doing well, you may be getting another book and stuff! Though it can be rather shallow at times... but I really thank God for bringing this book to me. I have yet to finish it and sure, it is already pouring new wine into me! :)

Finally, I just wanna thank all my cool friends who have been faithfully praying for me! God bless you people! See ya!

Rest!!

At last... I was able to NOT go to work on a rainy morning! I was working for the past 4 days! haha... even though there were 2 holidays!!!! Hmpf! Haha... So here I am... early in the morning... with nothing much to do! The plan was to go for a swim... but just like I have mentioned... IT'S RAINING! =( So i guess that's off!

Oh! I got another agenda... I have to a radiology clinic for a Chest X-Ray! Wow... that's serious! I have been coughing for weeks and I have this wheezing sound when I breathe in and out. Of course, this is affecting my daily life. I pity my colleagues because they have to bear with my LOUD coughs and the bugs that I may be spreading! Muahaha... so yeah... may be going back to bed before making this trip down to Jurong East for the scan! Oh! After that, I will be going for my LONG-AWAITED haircut! I hate long and thick hair!!! They are so hard to style... man.... Thank God that this is THE DAY!!!! =)

Reviewing this post showed me that it is really unorganized! haha... with not theme at all! I guess this is just an update since it has been a while I last posted! Anyway, I am currently reading a book, sent to me by an anonymous person! The title of the book is "Have You Felt Like Giving Up Lately." I have to say the author who wrote this is really real... Not just about FAITH preaching. Rather he really comes from a human point and really review the struggles we all go through. Though I still struggle through some of the truths, coming to terms with some of it, I really enjoy this book! I am praying that God will continue to bless and strengthen me! =)

So as this is a blog which people whom I know may read and one of them may be the one who gave me this book, I just wanna say thanks! Haha... though it was weird like... the books you receive really depends on how people perceive your spiritual life! Haha... If you are doing well, you may be getting another book and stuff! Though it can be rather shallow at times... but I really thank God for bringing this book to me. I have yet to finish it and sure, it is already pouring new wine into me! :)

Finally, I just wanna thank all my cool friends who have been faithfully praying for me! God bless you people! See ya!