GN: The Lord guides us

We cannot undo overnight the damages that have been done through time. Reforming our lives according to the values of the Gospel may be a long and trying process. Still, God asks us not to be discouraged as we try to lead holier lives. The Lord guides and gives us the necessary push along the way.

Ten Commandments for Peace of Mind

1. Do Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked.

Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others' affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way. There is God to look after everything. Why are you bothered? Mind your own business and you will keep Your peace.

2. Forgive And Forget.

This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Believe in the justice of God and the doctrine of Karma. Let Him judge the act of the one who insulted you. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive, Forget, and
march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.

3. Do Not Crave For Recognition.

This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yourself in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely and leave the rest to God.

4. Do Not Be Jealous.

We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember everybody's life is shaped by his or her previous Karma, which has now become his destiny. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming
others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind.

5. Change Yourself According To The Environment.

If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.

6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured.

This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control. If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully thinking, "God wills it so, so be it." God's plan is beyond our comprehension. Believe in it and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.


7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew.

This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.


8. Meditate Regularly.

Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily mediation. You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results
in less time.


9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant.

An empty mind is the devil's workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile. Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or temple work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God's name.

10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret.

Do not waste time in protracted wondering "Should I or shouldn't I?" Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Always remember, God has His own plan, too for you. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Take it as the Will of God. You do not have the power to alter the course of God's Will. Why cry over spilt milk?

GN: Lead virtuous lives

Our lives are governed by a multitude of rules and norms. Indeed, we ourselves create our own sets of do's and donts. However we must not forget our goal: To not only obey laws but to lead virtuous lives. We are truly human if we choose to be good even if there's no one policing us.

GN: Act out what we say

As God's disciples, we are always under scrutiny. The whole world watches to see whether our deeds truly match what we proclaim in faith. The Lord reminds us that we have the responsibility to act out what we say. Our faith is useless unless it is manifested in solid acts of mercy and love.

GN: Proclaim who God is

When was the last time we talked openly about God? During prayers, we receive so many gifts that nourish our heart and soul -- these gifts are meant to be shared. By engaging in spiritual talk, we allow God to reach others through our stories.

Let us not be embarrassed to proclaim who God is for us.

GN: Be more patient

No one is born a saint. During our worst moments, we become acutely aware of how deficient we can be in goodness and love. In reality, we're no different from those who may fail to be good and loving to us.

Today, our God invites us to be more patient with one another so we can be more loving.

GN: Be Generous

When Jesus miraculously fed five thousand, somebody had to give up five loaves and two fish. The miracle wasn't possible without the generosity of someone in the crowd. We're also invited to actively participate in God's miracles through our generosity.

Lord, let me be the channel of your loving deeds.

GN: God provides for us

No loving parent can resist responding to the needs of one's child. Authentic love is always concerned with the well-being of the beloved.

In the same way, our God is actively aware of our real needs. Our God provides for us constantly.

Ask: How has the Lord been generous to me this past week?

GN: Make a stand

When we witness something that is unjust or against our values, it may be difficult to speak up. Fighting for the truth can create enemies and make us very unpopular. But God asks us to constantly take the side of Justice.

Let us ask the Lord for courage and guidance whenever we make a stand.

GN: Don't be affected by problems

We are discovering more new possibilities in the universe that God has created. There's much for us to explore especially with our relationship with others and the environment. It would be such a waste of space and potential if we allow ourselves to be overly affected by our own problems.

The Duck and the Devil

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm.

He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods.


He Practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target.

Getting A little discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was Walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck.


Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck Square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved.




In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see
His sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.


After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the Dishes." But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in The kitchen." Then she whispered to him, " Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes.


Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go Fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make Supper."


Sally just smiled and said," Well that's all right because Johnny told Me he wanted to help." She whispered again, " Remember the duck? " So Sally Went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.


After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's, He finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.


Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long You would let Sally make a slave of you. "


**********


Thought for the day and every day thereafter?


Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done... And the devil Keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad Habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.) ....whatever it is....You need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing..... He has seen your whole life.

He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven.


He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave Of you .


The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness, He Not only forgives you, but He forgets . It is by God's grace and Mercy that we are saved.


Go ahead and make the difference in someone's life today. Share This with a friend and always remember : God is at the window .

GN: Take time to pause

We may not realize it, but anxiety can significantly cripple us. Excessive worry over the many details of everyday life can prevent us from fully enjoying the graces we receive.

Amidst our tasks and responsibilities, God invites us to take time to pause and renew our trust through prayers.

GN: Be More Generous

True justice isn't simply giving to each what is due him or her. The Lord ask us to reach a higher goal. As true disciples, we must ensure that our neighbor possess what they really need in this world. To be truly just, we sacrifice and give a part of ourselves, not merely our surplus.

GN: Forgive, Share, Love more

Our quest to grow in holiness never stops. We may be tempted to think there is nothing more we can do for God. But the Lord reminds us that we should not be content with our usual practice of good deeds.

Everyday, there is an opportunity for us to forgive more, to share more, and to love more.

GN: Be persistent

If we examine our problems closely, we may discover our biggest handicap doesn't come from the outside. Rather, it may be from our own attitude of resignation and defeat. Our God inspire us to persevere.

Lord, strengthen me as I strive to do my best in life.

GN: Be Healthy

Our bodies are sacred gift from the Lord. It is through our bodies that we can praise, revere and serve God. Hence, all of us are responsible for doing what we can to safeguard our health. Being healthy allows us to serve God and others better.

What unhealthy practices are you willing to end?

Cake: A beautiful way to look at life!

Sometimes, don't we wonder “What did I do to “Why did God have to do this to me”.

Here is a God sent explanation!!!

A little boy is telling his Grandma how everything is going wrong.

School, family problems, severe health problems, etc.

Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack, which, of course, he does.

“Here, have some cooking oil.”

“Yuck says the boy.

“How about a couple raw eggs?”

“Gross, Grandma!”

“Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?”

“Grandma, those are all yucky!”

To which Grandma replies: “Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, the make a wonderfully delicious cake!

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times.

But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He’ll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

Hope you enjoy this “piece of cake!”

God Does Exist

A man went to a barber shop to have his hair and his beard cut as always.

He started to have a good conversation with the barber who attended him. They talked about so many things and various subjects. suddenly, they touched the subject of God.

The barber said: Look man, I don't believe that God exists as you say so.

Why do you say that? - asked the client.

Well, it's so easy, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God does not exist. Oh, tell me, if God existed, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be no suffering nor pain. I can't think of a God who permits all of these things.

The client stopped for a moment thinking but he didn't want to respond so as to prevent an argument. The barber finished his job and the client went out of the shop. Just after he left the barber shop he saw a man in the street with a long hair and beard (it seems that it had been a long time since he had his cut and he looked so untidy).

Then the client again entered the barber shop and he said to the barber: know what? Barbers do not exist.

How come they don't exist? -asked the barber. Well I am here and I am a barber.

No! - the client exclaimed. They don't exist because if they did there would be no people with long hair and beard like that man who walks in the street.

Ah, barbers do exist, what happens is that people do not come to me.

Exactly! - affirmed the client. That's the point. GOD does exist, what happens is people don't go to Him and do not look for Him that's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world.

GN: Forgive constantly

When someone continuously wrong us, it is very tempting to give up on the person and to simply cut all ties. However, the Lord asks us to forgive constantly. Forgiveness is impossible if we stop talking to those who have hurt us.

My Lord, grant me humility so that I may always be open to dialogue.

GN: Speak out

Loving our neighbor doesn't mean that we should only say what is pleasing. Sometimes, it's necessary for us to bravely offer correction if others go astray. True love and concern for others compel us to speak out.

Indeed, the Lord ask us to be responsible for each others growth as human being.

GN: God is waiting

One of the biggest mistakes we can make is to think that there are sins that cannot be forgiven. Our shame overwhelms us and keeps us from seeking the healing that we need.

But God's loving call for us doesn't stop despite our weaknesses. The Lord reaches out to us, waiting for our response.

GN: Fight for Justice and Truth

Each of us has a unique perspective regarding important issues in life. Not everyone will agree with our values. Our Lord invited us to be patient as we fight for justice and truth. Our aim should be to win over others through loving compassion and understanding rather than self-righteousness and violence.


Let us pray for the a peaceful ARMM election. Hopefully violence will end.

GN: Share our talents

The most convincing testimony of our faith does not lie in the eloquence of our preaching. Rather, the quality of our self-giving to others is the best measure of witnessing God's love.

We are more effective disciples when we are willing to share our talents even if it is at times inconvenient for us.

...

GN: Dreams or Love

We know that our love is authentic when we're fully aware of the sacrifice involved and yet we choose to love anyway. Love compel us to let go of our comfort when needed. The Lord's willingness to take up the cross serves as our best example.

Are you ready to give up your own dreams for those we love?

GN: We all matter to God

The Lord called each of the disciples by personal invitation. Jesus' followers were not nameless strangers. Each was personally known and loved.

Similarly, each of us can boast of a unique relationship with God that will never be repeated in history--We all matter. Our God's love makes us special.

GN: Share God's Love

When we experience God in a very concrete way, we are gifted with overwhelming joy. However, such bliss may be extinguished unless we share it with others. Experiencing God's love is meant to be shared, generously. Giving of self allows us to open up to deeper encounter with the Lord.

My Redeemer Lives

Incredible video about the relationship between a father and son.... and God's relationship with us.

"As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last He will take His stand on the earth." - Job 19:25

Behold, I am coming quickly

"Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done."

GN: Do not be afraid.

"Do not be afraid."

During our worst moments, even these words of the Lord may fail to console us. We may be too gripped by fear and despair.

But remember that Jesus reached out to Peter, even as he sank, burdened by doubt. Though our faith may falter at times, God constantly reaches out to us.