Sometimes, being too immersed in our everyday concerns can lead us to adopt a perspective that's too narrow. There's a world beyond our immediate environment, a wider context that we should always consider. It would be good for us to regularly take the time to step back and examine the bigger picture.

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As follower of Christ, we're asked to lead others in carrying out God's will. But as good leaders, we shouldn't aim for the recognition of others. It is our Lord who should be the main focus. We are called to be faithful servant-leaders who are always ready to fade into the background if necessary.

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Water is life - nourishing, cleansing, healing us. It is also death - drowning, choking some. At baptism, water is poured over us. We are reborn in God's love and invited to die to ourselves and selfishness. What do you need to cleanse and wash away in your life? What do you need to grow and nourish?

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Under Tokyo's Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius lies a crypt where many are buried. It's a beautiful, powerful statement: the church rests on those who've come before us. We're carried on the shoulder of those who've gone ahead. Your faith has been built on and shaped by the faith of many. Who are they?

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'Very early in the morning before daylight, Jesus went off to a lonely place where he prayed.' (Mk 1:35) We who find many excuses not to pray get a reminder from Jesus Himself. It's important to be quiet for a while, to talk and listen to the Father. When was the last time you really prayed?

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'If you choose, you can make me clean.' (Mk 1:40) The leper's words are worth considering. Listen to them: we can hear the deep conviction, strong certainty in his voice. It's this faith that moves Jesus to say: 'I will, be clean.' When you listen to your own words, can you hear the voice of faith?

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Still bothered by what happened yesterday? Sit down and relax. Gather yourself. No matter how bad yesterday was it now belongs to the past. Don't let it worry you or stop you from pursuing the many possibilities of today. Today is a gift you can unwrap and share with all. That's why it's called PRESENT.

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It's funny when we say we're too busy to pray. Come to think of it, we're very busy that we need all the more to pray! We need the right focus. We need to find our bearings. You owe it to yourself and the Father to have quality time with Him.

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It is natural for us to seek some form of reassurance that we are doing well. Affirmation nurtures our sense of well being. But ultimately, it is our Lord's acceptance that really counts. It's better for us to ground our self-esteem on the fact that since the start, our God loves and is pleased with us.

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It is not necessary for us to travel very far in order to encounter our God. Our own lives and experiences provide the context in which our Lord reaches and calls out to us. The Lord meets us wherever we are and gently draws us closer to Him. Let us ask for the grace to respond with much generousity.

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More than what we say, our actions reflect what is really in our hearts and minds. The goodness that dwells in us becomes fully realized only if we deliberately act on our noble and holy intentions. Otherwise, the great things that we can do for others will be wasted and remain as mere desires within us.

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In today's world where multi-tasking is a way of life, it is easy to get distracted and lose one's focus. We may be involved in so many things that depth and quality are sacrificed. Spreading ourselves too thinly can result in wasted efforts. We're best when we strive to give quality service to others.

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While we have been given so many gifts and talents, there are mant things that our abilities cannot address. Trying to solve big problems on our own is as effective as hurling a bowl of water into a burning house. We can accomplish more if we are able to collaborate harmoniously with kindred spirits.

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When we actively intercede for the needs of others through prayer, it is not only the one for whom we pray who is blessed. By praying for others, we gain a wider and more meaningful perspective on life. As our focus widens beyond ourselves, the severity of our own problems becomes more manageable.

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It is wrong for us to forcibly classify others into rigid categories. Even the person who is deeply addicted to a certain vice has the capacity for change. God's grace makes even the most difficult conversion possible. To give up on others is to deny our Lord's invitation to be beacons of hope.

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When ever we read about our Lord in the Bible, we feel a desire to encounter God in a more intimate manner. We begin to ask where and how we can be closer to our Lord. But we don't have to look very far. Jesus constantly calls us through others and all of creations - 'Come, and you will see.' (Jn 1:39)

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No matter how hard we try, we can never expect the ones we love to fulfill all our expectations. We can't use our relationships to compensate for our own frustrations. Loving isn't owning. Our love is genuine only if we are willing to give our beloved the necessary space to grow and live in freedom.

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Not everything in life is clearly defined by rules and set methods. There are many instances when we have to think out of the box and explore solutions that have never been tried. What encourages us to take necessary risks is the assurance that our God stays with us in every possibility that we may choose.

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Our biased can lead us to focus on the negative traits of others. We may be so overwhelmed by feelings of anger and distrust that we unfairly pounce on the mistakes of our enemies. But today, our Lord invites us to be merciful. Can we be more patient and forgiving towards those who are difficult to love.

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Each of us has an infirmity that is in need of the Lord's healing. Our God desires to make us whole again after being broken by illness of the body and spirit. To receive this grace, we need to open ourselves to the Lord's presence. We must trust that it is in God that we can be completely healthy.

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We cannot remain neutral in the face of every problem that we encounter. There is more to life than being in one's comfort zone. As adult, we're expected to take a stand according to our values. Our choices may make us unpopular. But as long as we follow our conscience, we have done what is right.

It is natural for us to aim for success in everything that we do. However, being successful may not necessarily be what our Lord expects from us. Winning isn't always what is best. Indeed, decisions that promote what's just are more desirable even if they may be seen by others as moments of failure.

We can spend our entire lives making sure that we do not hurt nor offend others. But not doing harm does not complete the demands of our faith. We are also called to an integrity of action. Faithfulness to what we profess entails that we deliberately and actively initiate actions that promote justice.

The big problems that we encounter are so complicated that trying to find a sole solution in a useless exercise. We can't expect simple answers to instantly eradicate poverty or achieve world peace. Our work for God's Kingdom is a continuing process that requires us to pray much and discern always.

When we feel that we cannot see or encounter God, it is very probable that we are looking the wrong way. Sometimes, we become too complacent with praying that we're no longer open to meeting the Lord in new ways. But God's ways of revealing Himself are so rich that there will always be surprises.

Seeing our blessings in the wrong way can make us fall into the trap of excessive self-sufficiency. It is foolish for us to believe that we can accomplish anything significant without the help of God. Our very existence is dependent on our Lord's ongoing acts of creation, acts that flow from His love.

Pretending to be someone we are not can only lead to frustration on our part.
We are called to be true to ourselves because we are able to give better service to others if we know what it is that we have to give. Self-awareness and acceptance empower us to trancend our weakness and limitations.

While New Year's resolutions are said to be easily broken, making them is still an activity worth doing. It is good for us to begin our year by getting in touch with our commitment and goals. Once we know concretely what we want to achieve, we can ask our Lord to help us overcome our imperfection.

Year-enders provide us a good opportunity to assess our spritual growth. Looking back guides our movement forward. How much of the past 525,600 minutes did we devote for truly worthwhile endeavors? What we have done for Christ? What are we doing for Christ? What should we be doing for Christ?

Our heroes hold a distinct place in our history because they never lost hope even in the most difficult circumstances. It take much courage to insist on remaining patient and optimistic when everyone else is giving up. Today we ask our Lord to give us the grace we need to lead heroic lives of hope.

There may be moments when we feel that we are constantly waiting for something that will never come. This restlessness becomes even more apparent when we take for granted the small blessings surrounding us. Seeing everthing that we have as our God's gift opens us to a life that is more fulfilling

While we are called to love everyone, we give a special regard for our own families. It's right for us to uphold the value of filial piety because it is in the familiy that we sow the seeds of faith, hope and love. Let's pray that our home may reflect Christ's own where He Himself was nurtured and raised.

The spirit of Christmas is essentially a call to love. It's a love, however, that persist even in the most difficult situations. It's a love that is actively given. We are most faithful to the Christmas spirit if we do not hesitate to deny ourselves and make needed sacrifices for the good of others.

What we celebrate today cannot be adequately contained in the glitter of the decor or the presents that we receive. Indeed, the joy that we feel in best expressed by emulating the love that was shown to us on the first Christmas day. Today, let us renew our commitment to live our lives for others.

On the eve of Christ's birth, it would be good for us to reflect on how we have prepared the way for the Lord's coming. We are constantly invited to lived out the Christmas message of God's salvation. It is our vocation to make sure that faith, hope, and love are really present among us all year round.

When we allow God enter our lives, nothing will ever be the same. Our hearts are changed such that we delight only in those things that help us to be even closer to the Lord. This Christmas, we ask for the grace to see the world with eyes that are focused on what is really important in our lives.

The Child who was born on Christmas day is a fulfillment of an age-old promise. The season moves us to reflect on the fact that we can expect our God to be eternally faithful to us. It teaches us that our belief that the Lord can shed light even on the darkest moments of our lives is not foolishness.

It's not unusual for us to doubt our ability to do good especially when numerous problems block our path. It's worst when we feel that everything is going wrongly. But the story of Christmas teaches us that with God, the possibilities are endless. All that is required is our whole-hearted trust.

Amidst all the glitter of the season, we must not forget that Christmas should be a season of rejoicing, not just for ourselves, but for everyone. We are called to actively share our joy. Let us ask ourselves how we can make another person's celebration of Christ's birth more meaningful this year.

Given the Christmas rush, we may begin to wonder why we devote so much time looking for the perfect gift for our loved ones. It's a reflection of our authentic concern for those who are dear to us. After all, we give not for the sake of the gift itself, but for the concrete love that it represents.

Our priorities in life become more evident whenever we are pressed for time and resources. The things that we take for granted get easily bumped off to the fringes of our routine. As our schedules become more hectic, let us give ourselves a most valuable present by nourishing the needs of our spirit.

GN: Learn to love what has been given to us

If we examine our life history, we may discover that there are a lot of blessings that we have taken for granted. It is easy to be so preoccupied with what we can gain that we fail to appreciate what we already have. Before we yearn for more gifts, let us learn to love what has been given to us.

We may wonder why there are times when we still experience loneliness even if we're in the company of loved ones and friends. It's possible that we are actually in a monologue rather than in genuine conversations. Christmas gives us a perfect opportunity to start engaging others in authentic dialogue.

It's not our social status or title that should move us to be concerned for the welfare of others. Rather, it is our very nature as human beings that make us responsible for our neighbor. We do not become who we really are unless we actively choose to be more charitable and be less self-centered.

The gift of joy during this Advent season in embedded in our Lord's offer of intimate friendship. Our life is turned into an unbearable chore if we began to think that we alone are responsible for our existence. Being joyous in our God means that we recognize and appreciate our dependence on the Lord.

Not everyone around us share what we value. It is not for us to impose our principles forcibly on others. But this does not mean that we should readily give up what is sacred to us just to gain acceptance. Compromising what we really believe in results in a loss of identity that leaves us empty.

Understanding the Lord's message is not a grace reserved for the learned. While rigorous study gives a richer perspective of our faith, it is the learning of the heart that really matters. What is essential to receive the Good News is not a brilliant mind, but a humble heart that is open to our God.

We cannot say that we are really working for justice if our acts do not lead to the unfolding of genuine love. Correcting wrongs and establishing equality don't complete the work of justice. We're truly just if we do everything we can to help others grow into the most loving persons that they can be.

If we are not careful, we may find our days wasting our days pursuing things that are of no real value. What should preoccupy our time are those activities that result in lasting contentment. Higher values such as genuine friendship and authentic service result in a joy that enriches and stays with us.

GN: Love others amidst there weakness

It's inevitable that we desire what's best for those we love. But if the desire to change our beloved becomes our main goal, then our love becomes conditional. In the same manner that God loves us, we're called to love others amidst their weakness and create the space for them to choose to be better.

GN: Allowing God to enter and be the center of our lives

Allowing God to enter and be the center of our lives opens us up to a multitude of unexpected possibilities. Our God constantly calls us to share in the mission of spreading the Gospel, a work that we do not do on our own. Our 'yes' to God means that we are letting Him accomplish great things in us.

GN: We are called to undergo a necessary conversion of heart.

Our Lord offers us the gift of inner peace this Christmas. It is a peace that empowers us to remain steadfast and focused amidst the challenges we face. But we can enjoy God's gift only if we strive to empty ourselves of unhealthy attachments. We are called to undergo a necessary conversion of heart.

GN: We are loved in our entirety.

It's not because of what we have or what we have done that our Lord is deeply in love with us. Everything in us that is good was freely given by our God. We are loved in our entirety. Even amidst our many faults and failures, we should never doubt that our Lord continues to care and provide for us.

GN: True loving means...

True loving does not mean that we have to fulfill all the desires of the one we love. Sometimes, saying no would be the most loving thing to do if it will lead to the growth of our beloved. The primary motive for our love should be the good of the other person, not the appreciation that we will get.

GN: Let us take some time to express our love for our families.

Authentic love for the entire world develops and is nurtured in the family. We cannot expect to be bearers of peace and goodwill to others if we don't do anything about the misunderstandings in our own homes. Before we go about our business today, let us take some time to express our love for our families.

GN: We are called to established our true identity

We can go through life comfortably without fully realizing what we ought to be. By mindlessly surrendering to meaningless routine, we rob others of the chance to benefit from our uniqueness. We are called to established our true identity by offering ourselves to the Lord as we say, "Yes, here I am!"

GN: We need other people.

Our being human is defined by the quality of our relationships. It is useless to be obsessed with achieving personal goals and ambitions if these only leads to our isolation. We need other people. A true person does not worry about not being known by others but rather worries about not knowing them.

GN: We can move others to believe

The fruit of our faith are so rich that they go beyond our personal benefit. Without knowing it, our efforts to live according to our Lord's Will may lead to conversion. If our lives show that we remain steadfast even in the face of trials, we can move others to believe that they can do the same.

GN: Let's ask for the grace of openness to seize every opportunity for growth.

There are moments when we deeply yearn for a significant renewal in our lives. It is difficult, however, to let go of our deep-seated habits. But while change may be a challenge, it is not impossible. This season of Advent, let's ask for the grace of openness to seize every opportunity for growth.

GN: Change is a necessary part of our growth

Change can be a very daunting experience. Letting go of established ways may lead to a deep sense of insecurity. But change is a necessary part of our growth as persons. We will endure if we strive to adhere to our core values while trusting that our God will help us take care of the other details.

GN: God has enriched the world with a variety of perspectives.

There can be no sincere conversation with others if we constantly seek to impose our will in every situation. Even if our opinion in well-informed, it's not the only valid viewpoint. God has enriched the world with a variety of perspectives. It is a waste if we ignore the insights offered by others.

GN: Promises made in extreme bliss are easily broken.

Promises made in extreme bliss are easily broken. The surge of emotions can force us into hasty commitments that we cannot fulfill. Whenever we are faced with major decisions, it is more prudent for us to take the time to discern. It does not hurt to consult those who are wiser before we choose.

GN: Keep the fire of hope burning

During the most trying moments, the greatest service we can give is to keep the fire of hope burning. It doesn't mean that we should falsify the reality of suffering. Rather, we can inspire others by forging forward instead of running away, driven by God's promises that all bad things come to an end.

GN: Draw out the truth in ourselves and in others

We can easily misjudge others if we focus too much on appearances. Sometimes, those who are extremely lonely can mask their suffering through big smiles and loud laughter. It is important for us to engage others in sincere dialogue. Our goal should be to draw out the truth in ourselves and in others.

GN: The emptiness of our pockets should not hinder us from giving to others.

The emptiness of our pockets should not hinder us from giving to others. Our generosity becomes more sincere when we share to the point of going beyond what is convenient for us. Rather than simply giving things that we no longer need, we can also help by offering our valuable time and presence.

GN: When we are most deserving of praise

At the end of the day, our worth as persons is not determined by our greatest achievement, nor by our most dramatic victory. It is not our medals that will satisfy us endlessly. Rather, our Lord has shown us that we are most deserving of praise whenever we willingly bend to help our opponents up.

GN: Chooe our daily pursuit

How alive are we? We may be achievers in our fields and successful in our projects, but we are not necessarily living our lives to the fullest. We should maximize the air we breathe and the food we eat by wisely choosing our daily pursuit. Unless what we do benefits others, we are not really living.

GN: Our hearts are restless until we have given our YES to God.

We may not immediately like what the Lord will for us. Oftentimes, our quest for holiness demands much sacrifice on our part. Ridicule and losses await us. What makes it worthwhile, however, is the peace of conscience that our Lord gives. Our hearts are restless until we have given our YES to God.

GN: Crying unload the burden of grief

Our frustrations may become so overwhelming that we are moved to tears. When we weep, we give our hearts the chance to unload the burden of grief. Lifting all our hurts to God in not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it shows our willingness to be more intimate with God is eager to console us.

GN: Act promptly on the needs of our neighbors

There are situation that unquestionably demand our action. It is very tempting to spend too much time reflecting on what we should do. But the delay can be harmful in the long run. It is our responsibility to act promptly on the needs of our neighbors. We should not wait until it is too late.

GN: Others need our encouragement

It is only in the community that we can grow in our faith. We cannot hurdle on our own the difficulties inherent in leading a good life. The support given by our neighbors sustains us. Similarly, others need our encouragement. It is good for us to ask for help when we need it, and to aid those who ask.

GN: Give credit to God

In a world where self-sufficiency and autonomy are overly stressed, our dependence on God may seem out of place. But rather than going with the tide, we should strive even more to give credit to God who constantly blesses us. When we proclaim what the Lord has done for us, we move others to believe.

GN: Be constantly vigilant

We cannot control every circumstances in our lives. Joy can suddenly illuminate our darkest moments, while unexpected disasters can break the peace we enjoy. The unpredictability of our lives should move us to be constantly vigilant. We need to seek our Lord's guidance in times of poverty and plenty.

GN: Learn to ask for help when we need it

The lives that we are called to lead with the Lord may be overwhelming if we insist on doing everything by ourselves. Our growth in our faith is possible only in relationships with others. We need to be humble enough to acknowledge our limitations. We have to learn to ask for help when we need it.

GN: Our Lord talks to us in peace

The world offer a lot of contradictory choices. Amidst the confusion we may find ourselves in the dark with regards to the path that we are meant to take. We should remember that our Lord talks to us in peace. We know that we have decided correctly if our choice brings lasting peace to our hearts.

GN: Accept painful experience

Each of us has a painful experience. Any attempt to deny or sweeten the pain will not amount to anything. It's better to deal with ugly realities by accepting and confronting them once and for all. once we have a hold of what hurts us, we can then allow our Lord to take over and begin the healing process.

GN: Be aware of our blessings

We may experience moments wherein time seems to drag on without meaning. We become restless and prone to depressed moods. During such days, perhaps it would be best for us to be aware of our blessings. It's easier to find meaning in life if we view all things with a heart that is filled with gratitude.

GN: Appreciate our good works

It may be discouraging when people fail to appreciate the good things that we do. Indeed, there are jobs that seem to be thankless yet have to be done. Our Lord invites us to appreciate our good works beyond the affirmation that it brings. What is important is that we do what God expects of us.

GN: Loss of hope

One of the biggest enemies of the spirit is the loss of hope. Discouragement can push us to settle for quick fixes that are more harmful in the long run. We can do a lot for our own neighbors by sincerely affirming the good that is in them. A pat on the back for someone who is down can go a long way.

GN: Our health is a gift

We are our body. What affects us physically also affects us spiritually, and vice versa. Isn't it more difficult to focus during prayer when we are hungry or ill? Proper care for our souls means that we do not neglect our bodily health. Our health is a gift that our Lord want us to nurture and value.

GN: Flexibility is essential.

Wealth, power, and honor are resources that must be used prudently as we try our best to do God's will. We must be careful, however, that we are not confused regarding our priorities. Flexibility is essential. If our situation demands it, then we must be willing to live more simply and more humbly.

GN: We should strive to enhance our God-giver skills

It takes more than good intentions to make a significant difference. Our good acts must be coupled with an astute sense of accountability for our actions. Impulsive deeds can do more harm than good. In order to give better service to those in need, we should strive to enhance our God-giver skills.

GN: Our Lord urges us to keep on trying

Knowing that we have failed many times to improve our lives may be quite discouraging. Our inability to free ourselves from our favorite sins may keep us from persevering. But despite the difficulties involved, we should not quit because God never gives up on us. Our Lord urges us to keep on trying.

GN: Faithfulness to God requires the willingness to make radical choices

Faithfulness to God requires the willingness to make radical choices in our lives. As we try to grow spiritually, we discover that we have to give up some things that are dear to us in order to make room for the Lord. By letting go of our attachments, we make ourselves freer to do great things for God.

GN: Allow the Lord to take over.

We may keep on asking what the Lord wills for us when the answers are already before us. Our unwillingness to go beyond our comfort zones blinds us to our Lord's invitation. Ultimately, however, fulfilling God's plan in our lives entails letting go of all our excuses and allowing the Lord to take over.

GN: God asks us to be true givers

It's easy to do good to those who are good to us. Examining our motives may reveal that we are driven by the expectation of getting something in return. But God asks us to be true givers, to be especially generous to those who can't repay us. We are asked to favor the least, the lost, and the last.

GN: Reflecting on our death should not scare us

Reflecting on our death should not scare us. Rather, by getting in touch with our mortality, we should realize how valuable our lives are. We only live once. Today, let us examine ourselves. Are we focused on things that are really important? Or are we wasting our precious time over trivial concerns?

GN: What Counts are Our Choices as We Face our Challenges.

In today's world, being saintly is seen as an impossible ideal that is reserved for those who are sheltered and naive. However, if we look closely at the lives of saints, we discover that their struggles are very similar to ours. Saints remind us that what counts are our choices as we face our challenges.

GN: Authentic laws should facilitate our acts of service for others.

Assisting a neighbor in need may entail a lot of hassle on our part. We can conveniently cover up our unwillingness to help by citing laws. But our God shows us that abusing regulations in this manner is unacceptable. Authentic laws should facilitate, not hinder, our acts of service for others.

GN: Our Lord grants whatever is good for us

Each of us may have a list of unanswered prayers. But if we examine these items more closely, it's possible that the answers to these are already before us. Our Lord grants whatever is good for us. We must be open to the possibility that our wishes are being granted in ways that we did not expect.

GN: It is never easy to resist temptations.

It is never easy to resist temptations. While we desire to be good, our compulsions can lead us to acts that we will later regret. On our own, we are helpless. Fortunately, we don't need to face our struggles alone. Our Lord actively works with us as we strive and persevere to live exemplary lives.

GN: It is our God who chooses us to fulfill his mission

Awareness of our shortcomings can discourage us from taking in big responsibilities. Our lack of self-confidence can cripple our desire to make a significant difference in the world. Still, we must always remember that it is our God who chooses us, despite our frailties to fulfill His saving mission.

GN: The Time to Seek Change and Healing for Ourselves is Now.

Is there anything in us that we've been wanting to change for a long time? There may be issues that we've always needed to confront and address. We usually have a million and one reasons for delaying our desired personal growth. But God shows us that the time to seek change and healing for ourselves is now.

GN: Our Lord asks us to act our faith

Noble ideas can make us feel good about ourselves. We may think that merely talking about God is good enough. But at the end of the day, words can only do so much. Ultimately, what matters is how true and faithful we have been to what we proclaim. Our Lord asks us to walk our talk and to act our faith.

GN: Lord, help us to be true to ourselves

We cannot expect to reform our lives if we don't make an honest assessment of our strengths and weaknesses. Our faults will keep on recurring if we keep on blaming others. There comes a time when all our excuses have to give way to a sincere commitment to change. Lord, help us to be true to ourselves.

GN: Take the Initiative Early on to Make Up

Oftentimes, irreconcilable disagreement can be traced to petty arguments. We wouldn't be burdened by much hurt and misunderstanding if we took the initiative early on to make up with those who have offended us. Our Lord invites us to nip problems in the bud by engaging in dialogue now, not later.

GN: Our Worth Doesn't Depend on People's Approval

In a given situation, the right thing to do is not necessarily what will please everyone. Fighting for what we feel is right and true may make us quite unpopular. During such moments, we should remember that our worth doesn't depend on people's approval. What matters is our commitment to our God.

GN: Our abilities are gifts from God

If we are good at something, then there's no reason for us to be modest about it. Our abilities are gifts from God. But unlike the usual presents that we receive, our talents are not meant to be kept for personal use. We are expected to share. To whom much has been given, much will be required.

GN: We Need to be Constantly Attuned to God

Our Lord is like an unannounced visitor who drops by at the most unexpected moments. We may be moved spiritually by simple things such as the smile of a loved one or a line from a song. Such encounters entail openness. We need to be constantly attuned to God so that we can enjoy His many surprises.

GN: A Good Life is a Simple Life

Everyone wants to lead a good life. Our definition of the good life, however, is critical. If we equate it with wealth and possessions, then we become enslaved by selfish greed. The good life prescribed by the Lord is directed towards others. It is a simple life enriched by loving relationships.

GN: Utilize all of creation for God's glory

It is terribly wrong for us to shun away from the realities of the world. We are not called to completely detach ourselves from worldly affairs. Rather, we are asked to used material things according to their proper purpose. Our main task is to utilize all of creation solely for God's greater glory.

GN: There is more to life than the wages

There's dignity in work because it is a means for us to be more human. Our work should enable us to express ourselves and to positively affect our environment. It is no longer right when we neglect our health and others due to the demands of our labor. There is more to life than the wages we receives.

GN: Let us ask God to guide our conscience

We encounter criticism every day. Everyone seems to have a better idea of how we should lead our lives. Ultimately, however, we are obliged to listen only to our consciences regarding our difficult choices. Let us ask God to constantly form and guide our conscience so that we can decide correctly.

GN: Our Lord's heart is moved as we experience difficulties

Isn't it true that we ourselves are hurt whenever we witness a love one's suffering and despair? Our love moves us to be one with our beloved. In the same manner, our Lord's heart is moved by compassion as we experience difficulties. Our God desires us so much that He always intervenes in our lives.

GN: Ill feelings will affect our bodies and spirits

We can't belittle the importance of our emotions in our daily lives. Ill feelings that pile up within us eventually affect our bodies and spirits. The Lord invites us to care for our internal lives. We should actively look for creative ways to vent the intense movement that we sense in our hearts.

GN: The peace in our hearts will guide us

In our discernment, there comes a time when we have to commit to a decision. We can't spend our entire lives waiting for external signs in the hope that these will indicate the path we should take. The peace in our hearts, along with our trust in God, should be enough to guide us along our way.

GN: Count our blessings

We may find ourselves in the middle of unfavorable circumstances that are beyond our control. During such moments, we tend to envy those who are in better situations. But wallowing in self-pity is a terrible waste of time. God asks us to count our blessings and to use these to improve our lives.

GN: How faithful are we to our promises?

Faithful commitment entails letting go. Saying 'yes' to a promise means that we have to say 'no' to other possibilities. Otherwise, we lose our focus and fail in fulfilling our side of the bargain. How faithful are we to our promises? Are we brave enough to reject distractions that we may encounter?

GN: There are no shortcuts to nurturing our relationships

Most of us seek instant results. Don't we usually choose products that allow us to save precious minutes in our daily routine? But there are some things in our lives that can't be rushed. There are no shortcuts to nurturing our relationships. In these instances, patience, not speed, is essential.

GN: Unhealthy vices stunt our spiritual growth

It is no accident that we ask for our daily bread as we ask God to forgive our sins. As human beings, our bodies and souls form an inseparable whole. When we compromise our health by abusing our bodies, we hinder not only our physical well-being. Unhealthy vices also stunt our spiritual growth.

GN: Prayer is not a waste of our time

Our fast-paced life require us to choose our priorities. It is a sad fact that spiritual concerns are set aside for activities that are seen as more productive. God asks us to give more value for the nourishment of our souls. Contrary to the popular belief, prayer is not a waste of our time.

GN: Our help may be needed by our neighbors

Schedules enable us to lead more orderly lives. But sometimes, by being too rigid with our time, we may miss many opportunities to love and to serve. Our help may be needed by our neighbors at the most unexpected and inconvenient moments. Can we be more flexible and more available for those who are in need?

There's much to explore

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.

Destiny in Life

Long time ago, there was an Emperor who told his horseman that if he could ride on his horse and cover as much land area as he likes, then the Emperor would give him the area of land he has covered.

Sure enough, the horseman quickly jumped onto his horse and rode as fast as possible to cover as much land area as he could. He kept on riding and riding, whipping the horse to go as fast as possible. When he was hungry or tired, he did not stop because he wanted to cover as much area as possible.

Came to a point when he had covered a substantial area and he was exhausted and was dying. Then he asked himself, "Why did I push myself so hard to cover so much land area? Now I am dying and I only need a very small area to bury myself."

The above story is similar with the journey of our Life.

We push very hard everyday to make more money, to gain power and recognition.

We neglect our health, time with our family and to appreciate the surrounding beauty and the hobbies we love.

One day when we look back, we will realize that we don't really need that much, but then we cannot turn back time for what we have missed.

Life is not about making money, acquiring power or recognition...

Life is definitely not about work!

Work is only necessary to keep us living so as to enjoy the beauty and pleasures of life. Life is a balance of Work and Play, Family and Personal time.

You have to decide how you want to balance your Life. Define your priorities, realize what you are able to compromise but always let some of your decisions be based on your instincts.

Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of Life, the whole aim of human existence. So, take it easy, do what you want to do and appreciate nature. Life is fragile, Life is short.

Do not take Life for granted. Live a balanced lifestyle and enjoy Life!


Watch your thoughts ; they become words.
Watch your words ; they become actions.
Watch your actions ; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character .
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny

Don’t Quit

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay.” Hebrews 10:36-37 (NIV)

*** *** *** ***

If you’re discouraged because of God’s delay in answering your prayers, understand the delay is NOT a denial. Just because the answer or the miracle hasn’t come – yet – that doesn’t mean God isn’t going to answer or that he’s forgotten you or that he doesn’t care about you. It simply means “not yet!”

Spiritual maturity is knowing the difference between “no” and “not yet,” between a denial and a delay. The Bible tells us, “He who is coming will come and will not delay” (Hebrews 10:37 NIV).

The delay may be a test of your patience. Anybody can>No, he does it to show you how patient you are. So you’ll know what’s inside of you, and you’ll be able to know your level of commitment. God tests you so that you can know he is faithful, even if the answers you seek are delayed.

If you’re discouraged, turn it around by remembering God teaches you patience during delay. Ask him to transform your discouragement into patience.

You may be going through difficult times right now and feel like dropping off the planet. You’re discouraged because the situation you face seems unmanageable, unreasonable, or unfair.

It may seem unbearable and inside you’re basically saying, “God, I can’t take it anymore. I just can’t take it anymore!”

But you can.

You can stay with it longer because God is with you. He’ll enable you to press on. Remember, you are never a failure until you quit.

Don’t quit. Resist discouragement and finish the race God has set before you.

© 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved.

The Black Pebbles

Many years ago in a small Indian village, A farmer had the misfortune Of owing a large sum of money to a village moneylender.

The Moneylender, who was old and ugly, fancied the farmer's beautiful Daughter. So he proposed a bargain.

He said he would forgo the farmer's debt if he could marry his Daughter. Both the farmer and his daughter were horrified by the Proposal.

So the cunning money-lender suggested that they let Providence decide the matter.

He told them that he would put a black Pebble and a white pebble into an empty money bag. Then the girl would Have to pick one pebble from the bag.

1) If she picked the black pebble, she would become his wife and her father's debt would be forgiven.

2) If she picked the white pebble she need not marry him and her father's debt would still be forgiven.

3) But if she refused to pick a pebble, her father would be thrown into Jail.

They were standing on a pebble strewn path in the farmer's field. As They talked, the moneylender bent over to pick up two pebbles. As he Picked them up, the sharp-eyed girl noticed that he had picked up two Black pebbles and put them into the bag.

He then asked the girl to pick A pebble from the bag.

Now, imagine that you were standing in the field. What would you have Done if you were the girl? If you had to advise her, what would you Have told her?


Careful analysis would produce three possibilities:

1. The girl should refuse to take a pebble.

2. The girl should show that there were two black pebbles in the bag And expose the money-lender as a cheat.

3. The girl should pick a black pebble and sacrifice herself in order To save her father from his debt and imprisonment.


Take a moment to ponder over the story. The above story is used with The hope that it will make us appreciate the difference between lateral And logical thinking.

The girl's dilemma cannot be solved with Traditional logical thinking. Think of the consequences if she chooses

The above logical answers.

What would you recommend to the Girl to do?

Well, here is what she did ....

The girl put her hand into the moneybag and drew out a pebble. Without Looking at it, she fumbled and let it fall onto the pebble-strewn path Where it immediately became lost among all the other pebbles.

"Oh, how clumsy of me," she said. "But never mind, if you look into the Bag for the one that is left, you will be able to tell which pebble I Picked."

Since the remaining pebble is black, it must be assumed that she had Picked the white one. And since the money-lender dared not admit his Dishonesty, the girl changed what seemed an impossible situation into An extremely advantageous one.


MORAL OF THE STORY:

Most complex problems do have a solution. It is only that we don't Attempt to think.

Th farmer and the donkey

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!


MORAL :

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up!
Shake it off and take a step up.


Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happens.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less from people but more from God.


GOD BLESS YOU....!

GN: Why should we be ashamed of growing old?

It's strange how some people would go to extreme measures in order to hide their true age. Why should we be ashamed of growing old? Our age is a running account of the many expressions of our Lord's love for us. Indeed, it is amazing how God sustains us with every year that is added to our lives.

GN: Small deed can yield much grace

Those who seek to please the Lord should not be concerned with great and magnificent deeds. God deals with us in a manner that's quite different from our system of trade. The grace given to us does not depend on how much we do. Amazingly, even our little ways of loving can yield much spiritual profit.