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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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?

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

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.

GN: Do concrete acts rather than mere words

Our good intentions amount to nothing if they remain locked up in our heads. The genuine love that we itself most fully through concrete acts rather than mere words. Today, let us reflect on our relationships. In what ways can we be more expressive of our love and concern to others?

GN: All of us are called to be preachers of God's Words

All of us are called to be preachers of God's Words. We do not need to deliver lengthy homilies or sermons. It is through our everyday lives that we proclaim the Good News. Through our acts of forgiveness, encouraging words, and helpful gestures, we make Christ more real for those who are seeking Him.

GN: Balance work and play

The work that we do helps us to fully realize our potential as human beings. We are called to engage in honorable labor that contributes to the common good. However, we are also much more than our jobs. Life extends beyond the confines of our workplace. Do we balance work and play in our lives?

GN: Giving our best

We hold in our hands blessings that others will never enjoy. Indeed, opportunities that we take for granted may always be a luxury for those who are less fortunate. We are responsible for God's many gifts to us. It is a simple matter of justice that we give our very best in everything we do.

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: 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: 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?