Do Not Worry

Image Credit: mashable.com

When God says, “do not worry…”, he means it. There are no underlying complex explanations behind it. Just that God wants you to worry about nothing – not clothes, food, money, career or your future. He knows you more than anyone else; he knows your needs and your circumstances. And as your perfect Father, he will give you what you need in his time, according to his grand plans.

God Against Worrying

Instead of worrying, focus all your energy, attention and effort on knowing Him – as you father, provider, strength, comforter, savior and King. What God desires is a relationship, one that is unbreakable even with the invasion of unfortunate circumstances and the flood of all consuming worldly needs. He needs you to know Him like never before so when the time comes that you need to speak up for his name, you can do so without hesitation.

Again, God urges you “do not worry about anything or anyone…” God, after all, is in control of every circumstance and situation. Instead, pursue God in every waking hour of your life. In every decision and action, ask God if his hand is upon it.  Ask God if you are in line with his will and plans. Ask God if he approves of where your life is headed.

What Worry Does

Remember that at the end of this journey we call life is the all powerful God waiting for us to give an account on how we were as stewards of his gifts. Did we use our life to bring glory to his name? Did we use our time to spread his word? Did we do all we can to know him more and more each day? Did we live out his design and purpose for our lives?

Worry brings only confusion.  Let it dominate your life and you’re bound to go astray, far away from the straight and narrow path that God intended for you to walk in. Allow worry to stain the picture and you’re going to live life like the prodigal son - bonded to worldly desires like money, sex, power and greed. All of which are going to lead to your inevitable destruction.

Overcoming Worry

Even if things do not go your way, let not worry grip your heart or mind. Rise above your obstacles and needs then focus your thoughts on seeing the glass as half full. When you know your God, He will come through not just half way but all the way. Regardless of your faithlessness, just believe and come to Him in all abandon. Neither your abilities nor knowledge will save you from despair. Rely too much on yourself and you’ll only end up selfishly guarded and proud.

In this world and in this life, there are no guarantees. Live on your own and you will constantly chase after meaningless dreams. Push God away and you’ll always end up with demons in the shadows. Fear will be your constant companion. There are no joy in the horizon if you let worry stomp on your relationship with God. So, heed God’s call and advice because He knows that you need not worry now. Yes, regardless of what’s happening because He’s got your back. Yes, even if you were hurting him again and again with you sinful ways. Yes, he loves you despite your inadequacies and shortcomings. 

On Loneliness

What's equally tragic with a life without love?

Loneliness.

To me, it is one of life's greatest tragedies. While feelings of abandonment, rejection and being unloved are awfully painful as they are, loneliness in the picture makes the emotions a hundred fold truer hence even more painful.

A lonely life is like being stuck in a dessert. No matter how long or how loud you scream, no one's going to come. It's like being lost in a crowd with no hand to hold and no shoulder to cry on when the going gets tough and rough. And although we have families and friends we see, talk with and whom we know love us, the gaping hole remains unfilled. 

In his book, The Four Loves, CS Lewis has said, 

"We are born helpless. As soon as we are fully conscious we discover loneliness. We need others physically, emotionally, intellectually; we need them if we are to know anything, even ourselves."

Loneliness leaves us incomplete, and it's something we have to live with for the rest of our lives unless we let people in. God meant for us to live and love together, along each other and with each other. That's why He created Eve out of Adam's ribs  because "no man is an island." 

To feel lonely is completely normal, but to give in and let this terrible emotion control our lives is another matter. Take time to savor and understand the feeling, then use it to pursue a life without it. That often means letting go of our inhibitions, our past and doubts. 

Because only when we hold nothing back will we fully experience love and life in all its glory. 

How to Deal with the likes of Devina DeDiva

A whirl wind of angry rants and a barrage of hot protests were thrown at Devina DeDiva after her infamous, racist and degrading statement about newly crowned Miss World Megan Young and Filipinos in general. In her own words, "Miss Philippines is Miss World? What a joke! I did not know those maids have anything else in them[.] Ha Ha Ha" 

Seemingly not content with her insults, she further adds, "They r poor, smelly from cleaning toilets & uneducated."

Photo Credit: scoopboy

She may say that she's just stating her opinion. It's what freedom of speech has entitled her after all. Unfortunately, hers was not a reasonable opinion or a simple name calling fiasco, but a deliberate and tactless attack of an entire nation. Even more unfortunate for Devina DeDiva, she doesn't have an inkling of how fierce, bold and proud we Filipinas can be.

In just a matter of days, she became a household name in the Philippines and an instant web sensation, but not for good reasons at all. Just today, it has been reported that she lost her job as an assistant teacher in Singapore. Serves her just right, I must add. Several Facebook pages has been created against her. One Devina Dediva page currently has 8,635 likes and 10,548 talking about it. She's been called names: 'the devil', 'a scum', 'a b*stard', 'a f******g prostitute', 'a d*mb*ss b*tch', 'a sh*thead', 'a p*tang ina', and a slew of other nasty names. Some spewed out threats and others even wished her dead. What a nightmare it has turned for her.

Let's Show Her Who We Are

But as much as I agree that what she said was below the belt, I am saddened with how some of us reacted. I read through a handful of comments against her and I can see that some went down to her level. If Devina shamelessly attacked our Filipino descent, a few of our very own did the same - degrading her roots and stereotyping Indian women. Even worse, there was a meme posted in the aforementioned FB page (see below) that clearly implies....

I think you get the point. So instead of reacting to the issue, I'd like to respond with these thoughts with the hopes to admonish my fellow Filipinos that we can say our piece without being rude, stereotypical or threatening. We can deal with the likes of Devina DeDiva in a manner that's calm, educated and dignified. Instead of spewing her insults back to her, let's SHOW her that we are not what she said we are. After all, ACTIONS speak LOUDER than words.

How to Deal with the likes of Devina DeDiva

• Respond instead of Reacting - "Smelly, poor, less privileged and uneducated." Those are hurtful words and for many of us, our first reaction was all-consuming anger. How dare she! What audacity to accuse us of such things. And what's the shame in being a "maid" when it's a decent job that feed, cloth and shelter our families? Right? Yes, of course we're right which we think justifies our reactions (either good or mostly bad) but it doesn't. When we react, we says things that are hurtful (similar to what Devina said about us). Responding is a different approach altogether because we say things from a reasonable and open-minded perspective. 

• Be Direct - Say your piece, argue your case then move on. I think it's enough to let her know that what she said was offensive. If she listens, all good. But if not, try other means to get your message across (for this case, a legal advice is a sound option) then move on. Don't argue or extend the heated exchange after you've said your two cents. She won't listen because if she has an open mind, she wouldn't have said those racist stereotypes in the first place. 

• Avoid Name Calling - Despite her rotten statements and unquestionable character, we have no right to call her names. As much as it makes us feel good to call her this and that, but if we do we're just like her in a sense. So don't go this route or we'll be putting ourselves in the same level as hers.

• Respect to her Rude - Don't battle rude with rude. Instead let's heed what the Bible says about our enemies. Luke 6:27-29 But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. 

Are You Useful Now?

A couple of days ago, I got a chance to watch Lincoln. Yet again, filmmaker Steven Spielberg helmed a story so enchanting and moving, it ought to awaken your unknown love for history. It was a beautiful masterpiece centered on Lincoln's life as a father, husband, friend and as the 16th president of the United States who marshaled the freedom of the slaves.

But for me, the scene that lingered long and vividly was the heated confrontation between father (Abe Lincoln) and his first born son, Robert. The civil war was poised to end and Robert has been steered away to enlist for war by sending him to Boston to become a lawyer.

While visiting soldiers who were injured, the stirrings in Robert's heart to be useful now came alive and burning. A momentary lapse in Lincoln's part, a slap against a son's defiance, furthered his son's desire to its boiling point. With or without permission, Robert enlisted his heart and life for war.

It's meaningful and moving and touching because I feel the same way. I don't want to be useful tomorrow, I want to be useful now. Not five years after but now.

Maybe we all go through this stage and season of self-doubt. We question our worth as a person based on how useful we are now. Are we doing what we always wanted to do? Are we living for something bigger than ourselves? Are we happy? Are we making a difference? Are we changing the world? Are we useful?

These are questions that are real and scary. If you answered yes, good for you. But a no echos the restlessness from within. It's a silent cry of desperation seeking freedom from the bondage of mediocrity and the common life. To be useful means to be important. It's a human desire common to all but only a handful achieves.

But what does it really mean to be useful? Only you can tell because your life is yours to live. You don't need to be president or a noble soldier to feel fulfilled. Just look around you, examine your motives and notice the little differences you are making on other people's lives.

Usefulness is all about perspective. As long as you are living your life according to how you were wired then that's useful. Birds fly because they were created with wings. Flowers bloom, the sun rises and sets, the moon beams at night and fishes swim. They are who and what they are because of their specific design. And you are who you are because God created you that way.

The moment you are feeling useless, go back to your creator. Only He can tell you what you were wired for.

How to: Develop Self Confidence by Napoleon Hill

Photo Credits: http://talknerdy2me.org 

Numerous self-help authors, motivational speakers and a plethora of books would tell us that self confidence is a key element in the formula of success. In fact, self confidence is normally where the journey to dream fulfillment starts. Besides creating lofty dreams, one needs to believe in one's self in order to make things happen.

Some people are blessed to grow up in an environment that breeds a healthy self-image. Unfortunately, most of us, I believe, grew up unsure of our capabilities and potential because of demeaning words spoken to us when we were younger by our parents, friends and other people. We are living in a negative world where it is very difficult to be optimistic. We are surrounded with people that are hell bent on pulling us down.

But if we truly and badly want to be successful in this lifetime, we need to develop the virtue of self reliance. We need to bank on our strengths, abilities and character to turn our dreams into realities. Before we can even start, we need self confidence.

Here are 7 declarations that we can take advantage to nurture and develop our belief in ourselves. Say it out loud and declare it everyday. It will make a world of difference.

The 7 Steps to Self Confidence by Napoleon Hill:

1

"I know that I have the ability to accomplish all that I undertake. I know that to succeed, I have only to establish this belief in myself and follow it with vigorous, aggressive action. I will establish it." 

2

"I realize that my thoughts eventually reproduce themselves in material form and substance and become real in the physical state. Therefore, I will concentrate upon the daily task of thinking of the person that I intend to be and of drawing a mental picture of this person and of transforming this picture into reality."

3

"I am studying with the firm intention of mastering the fundamental principles through which I may attract to me the desirable things of life. Through this study, I am becoming more self-reliant and more cheerful. I am developing more sympathy for my fellow man, and I am becoming stranger, both mentally and physically. I am learning to smile that smile that plays upon the heart as well as on the lips."

4

"I am mastering and overpowering the habit of starting something that I do not finish. From this time forward, I will first plan all that I wish to do, making a clear mental picture of it, and then I will let nothing interfere with my plans until I have developed them into realities."  

5

"I have clearly mapped out and planned the work that I intend to follow for the ensuing five years. I have set a price upon my services for each of the five years, a price that I intend to command through strict application of the principle of efficient, satisfying service!" 

6

"I fully realize that genuine success will come only through strict application of he "Golden Rule" principles. I will, therefore, engage in no transaction which does not benefit alike all who participate in it. I will succeed by attracting to me the forces that I wish to use. I will induce others to serve me because of my willingness to serve them. I will gain the friendship of my fellow men because of my kindness and my willingness to be a friend. I will eliminate from my mind fear by developing faith. I will eliminate hatred and cynicism by developing love for humanity."

7

"I will learn to stand upon my feet and express myself in clear, concise, and simply language, and to speak with force and enthusiasm, in a matter that will carry conviction. I will cause others to become interested in me, because I will first become interested in them. I will eliminate selfishness and develop in its place the spirit of service." 

How to Help the Poor?

 "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. 

Teach a man how to fish, feed him for a lifetime."

According to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), 2009 data shows that the magnitude of poor population in the Philippines is in 23.1 millions. (See data at NSCB website)

That is an astounding number. Unfortunately, it is a sad, scary truth that has been around for a long, long time. Even before and during Jesus' time, poverty already existed. Remember the poor widow who put in her last two very small copper coins as offerings (Mark 12:42)?

Yes, poverty is an epidemic and not only in the Philippines but around the globe. People die because of hunger. Millions of Filipino families live under a dollar everyday. They seldom eat three times a day. Children, disabled, men and women alike roam the streets of the cities to ask for alms. They live in the slums and most are jobless. 

Year after year, the state of poverty in the Philippines is getting worse. The number is ever increasing and if we do not put a halt to it, we will find ourselves in a sea of impoverished fellowmen.

But how do we help the poor? There are already a hundred NGOs around the country doing their share but it still doesn't seem to be enough. We see hundreds of on-going feeding programs, medical missions, and add to that those TV shows that give away cash prizes on a daily basis. Yes, these efforts help but after the meal was consumed and the prize money was gone, what happens next?

If we really want to help the poor, we need to stop offering band-aid solutions. These are temporary and forgettable. It doesn't deal with the root cause of the problem resulting in little to no difference at all. We need to come up with solutions that are meant to deal with the causes and not just the symptoms of the disease. Poverty is like a deadly disease that spreads like an epidemic because of lack of education, unavailability of decent jobs and poor mentality.

Poor people remains poor because they allow their situations and circumstances to dictate the course of their lives. Breaking free from poverty will never be a walk in the park. It will require hard work and grim determination to get past through the challenges and setbacks along the way. But the feat is possible because there are people who have already done it.

I came up with 4 E-STEPS on how we might be able to gradually eradicate poverty in the Philippines. This is not based on a study or research but this is merely based on my opinion, observations and readings.

Step 1: ENLIGHTEN

Changing one's poor mindset is a good place to start. They may be born into poverty but they don't have to die poor. They just need to understand that things CAN change for the better. Change the way they think and actions will follow through. 

Step 2: EMPOWER

As soon as the mind is ready, the next step is to prepare them for the long journey. They need to know that they have what it takes to do this. It's definitely not going to be easy but they need to know that there are people who are ready to guide, support and even love them.

Step 3: ENDEAVOR

If one has already set his mind to overcome poverty, it is time to set a goal, big enough that will challenge and motivate them to keep going even if the path is tough and hard.They need to have a target and they need to know where they are going. Setting a goal or an endeavor is essential for their success in beating poverty.

Step 4: EDUCATION

The tool that they need the most is education. A degree will not get them out of poverty but the experience of getting a diploma will widen their horizons and challenge their perspectives. Education is not the only solution but it is a key that will open doors of opportunities for our poor people. 

Even the Winds and the Waves Obey Him

Matthew 8:27 

The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"




There are times in life when we will experience extreme suffering and hardship. The wind blows like crazy, strong enough to break our resolve. We will stumble and fall once in our lives. Sometimes, the waves of sadness and hopelessness are too huge to drown us in our very own misery.

When problems are too hard to handle, we are often tempted to give up. Then we blame God for our own misfortunes. Such audacity we possess to put the blame on Him when He had given us everything. We are the ones who are making the choices, decisions and excuses. Instead of blaming, why not praise Him despite of our troubles and tribulations? After all, accusing someone never solves the problem. However, this is easier said than done.

When we are hurt and in pain, the first automatic response is to put on our defensive mode. We attempt to protect ourselves from despair by placing the blame on someone else. This allows us to have a temporary retrieve and relief because somehow, we are not entirely at fault for our messy situation. We further nurse our ego with self-pity ridiculously thinking that this will make us feel better.

But we have to realize that problems are there not to break us but to draw us closer to God. Jesus said it himself, "Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."

If we truly know the power and the glory of Christ then we would also know that the best choice is to praise Him at all times especially during the bad times. In moments of desperation, sing your praises and lift up your hands to honor Him. Do not use your mouth to blame or curse but only use it to thank God for who He is.

No matter what your circumstances are, you can trust God. Use all your might to focus your perspective on who God is and not on your present dreary situation.

Our God is all powerful that even the winds and the waves bow down to Him. One word. One command. God can and He will change your situation in His perfect time. So, hang in there and wait on God. For always, we have to let go and let God.

The Zig Ziglar Legacy

"You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want." 

                                                             

                                                              - Zig Ziglar

C.S. Lewis. Abe Lincoln. Winston Churchill. Steve Jobs. John Piper. Mahatma Gandhi. William Wilberforce. Theodore Roosevelt. Jose Rizal. Peter Drucker. And Zig Ziglar. These men are some of those whom I highly look up to. They are my inspiration, my standard and my heroes.

I never met any of them but they changed my life through their stories, writing and legacy. These men are one in a million because they fully lived and embraced their fate and destiny. Passion and purpose drove them to make history. Most of them are long gone but their legacy lives and will continue to be alive in the future because of their incomparable and incredible contribution to humanity.

Last November 29, 2012, I heard the news that Zig Ziglar passed away after losing his battle against pneumonia. A great loss for us who were touched and changed by Zig's unwavering passion to motivate people live their dreams by helping enough other people achieve their own aspirations. Zig's contagious enthusiasm towards life and success will continue to change lives for the generations to come. He may have lost the battle to a sickness but his was a full life nevertheless. 

I mourn the passing of one of my heroes and my mentor. I have devoured his books and I have listened to his audio messages again and again. He has made such a huge difference in my attitude towards life. He made a believer out of me. One of my most treasured quotes from Zig talks about choosing to become a meaningful specific rather than becoming a wandering generality. Up to this day, that philosophy pushes me to live life meaningfully not only for my sake but for the sake of other people too. 

This is Zig Ziglar's legacy. He's not after individual successes but he wants every story to be meaningful and significant. This is not done through selfish ambition and hoarding of all the wealth in the world. Real and lasting success is all about working together with other people. You will get what you want if you help your friend, your neighbor, your colleague, your family get what they want. It's a win-win situation. It is a timeless and proven philosophy of sowing and reaping. It's all about building relationships with other people. And the truth is, it is more fulfilling and satisfying to know that you are a part of someone else's success story.

And Zig, you have helped me immensely. Thank you for your dedication to help other people run after their dreams and goals. You are a major part of so many people's success story including mine. You will be truly missed.

Living a Passionately Purposeful Life

Photo Credits: www.inspiredgiftgiving.com

Finding your passion at an early age is a rare opportunity and an extraordinary blessing. It only means that God has given you more time to live life according to your heart's desires and His design. Use your time wisely and embrace your passionately purposeful life.

For most people, it takes many years of searching and suffering before they find the passion that makes them tick. Unfortunately, there are also people that never lived their passion. These are people who allow fear, circumstances and discomfort to hinder them in pursuing their dreams and aspirations.

Often, we are content to live the good life. As long as we have food to eat, a shelter to live in and money to meet our needs then we are content. Life is good. Then life becomes a routine where we wake up with less and less enthusiasm as the days go by. We end the day without any sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. Soon, we realize that twenty five years has passed and our lives are not an inch closer to what God wants us to have.

Living is not just about breathing air. You can be alive and dead a the same time. Your age may reach a century but if you are not living your passion and your purpose then your time on earth is meaningless.

God does not want that kind of life for you and me. Good is not good enough. He wants us to have a great awesome, exciting and a fulfilling life.

Don't stop searching and pursuing for your passion and purpose. Let God guide you as you embark on this journey that will change the course of your life forever. Once you find it, do not ever let go until your are living, breathing and tasting your passionately purposeful destiny.

VIDEO: Little Girl Afraid of Her Own Shadow

The cutest little girl ever. Under the blazing heat of the sun while chowing down on her ice candy, all of a sudden the existence of her shadow which is not always there was in stark presence right before her eyes. She was pointing at it while sobbing at the same time. She was like saying, "What the heck is that thing doing? Following my every move and wouldn't go away!"

Poor little thing! She was trying her earnest to dodge her shadow but there's nothing much to do really. Even her mom was not helping in her predicament.

If Peter Pan, in the famous Disney fairy tale, left Neverland to look for his shadow, this girl would rather go to Neverland so she can live without her scary shadow.

Aaaah. The ironies of life! And her mom was right, "It wouldn't go away you know." In many ways, we are like the little girl who is afraid of her own shadow. At least, the little girl's fear was born out of ignorance and innocence. In the meantime, she does not know why shadows even exist but when she grows up she'll only laugh the incident off. On one hand, our fears are much more real and gripping. We fear all sorts of shadows. The shadow of our past, present and the uncertainty of our future. As C.S. Lewis profoundly puts it:

Part of every misery is, so to speak, the misery's shadow or reflection: the fact that you don't merely suffer but have to keep on thinking about the fact that you suffer. I not only live each endless day in grief, but live each day thinking about living each day in grief.

Sometimes, it is the very shadow of our fears that hinders us to live the full life. We should learn from the little girl. We can cry, scream and point at those shadows. We need not go to Neverland so we can live happily ever after. Just accept the fact that those shadows will never go away but we can always rise above them. We need to recognize that these fears exist and at the end of the day, the sun will set and the shadows fade away. The next day is a new beginning.  

Photo courtesy of http://www.panhala.net 

Thanksgiving Day is not about the Perfect Turkey

Thanksgiving is not about the perfect turkey or is it? Everywhere in the web, articles upon articles, videos upon videos and recipes upon recipes, talk about how to make the perfect turkey. They are helpful, no question about that. But the spotlight has been on the turkey and not on the real essence of thanksgiving.

Poor thing!

As history would tell us, the "First Thanksgiving" event that Americans refer to is the one celebrated by the Pilgrims at Plymouth on 1621. They had a variety of food like fish, grains, wild fowl (including turkey), fruits and vegetables. The celebration lasted for three days eating and thanking God for all His blessings.

The Pilgrims at Plymouth 

But it was only in 1863 when Abraham Lincoln in the midst of the American Civil War and prompted by articles written by Sarah Josepha Hale proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day. From then on, thanksgiving has been observed every last Thursday of November annually.

 An excerpt from President Abe Lincoln's Proclamation of Thanksgiving Day:

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

Lincoln has said that in the midst of enjoying the bounty and blessings of life, we tend to forget that these are because of the providence of Almighty God. It seems to me that we keep on forgetting. Year after year, we fuss about the menu, about the turkey, the stuffing and dressing, the annual parade and along the way shoving the real essence of the celebration aside.

In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.

They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people.

Lincoln further encourage us to count the many blessings we are experiencing in spite of difficulties and problems. It was in the midst of civil war then and Lincoln urge America to rejoice in spite of the war and continue to be hopeful for the freedom that America soon will truly enjoy.

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

The food, dinner invitations, family gatherings, parade and the turkey have all become a part of the Thanksgiving custom. It creates a more celebratory atmosphere but even without it, we should always remember that Thanksgiving is ultimately, a day to give thanks. The moment that we prioritize our turkey more than cultivating an atmosphere and a culture of thankfulness then we may be celebrating Happy Dead, Roasted Bird Day than Happy Thanksgiving Day.

So forget about the perfect turkey for a while, go on ahead and say a prayer of thanks to God for He has been good.

Zac Smith: "Cancer is the best thing that happened to me."

Zac Smith

Zac Smith passed away last May 16, 2010 but before he did, he shared his amazing story about cancer and how he kept his faith through it all. Zac's story is a testament that in spite of poverty, struggles, problems and even sickness, we can still live a full life. It's all about faith and it's a matter of perspective.


Imagine yourself at a prime age of 32 years old. You have a wonderful family, a great job, a great church and exciting plans for the future. It is a good life. You are very happy. You have always been healthy but then you found out that you have stage 4 colon cancer. The cancer has already spread to your spleen and to your liver. You underwent chemotherapy for months and when the scan was done, the cancer was gone. You were celebrating because God has answered your prayers. But after a month, another scan and it was bad news. The cancer has reappeared and this time to your abdominal cavity.The cancer has been growing and the chemo drugs are no longer effective and surgery is not an option anymore. Medically speaking, there's not anything that can be done. You realized that you probably will not live until 2011.


That is Zac's story.


I'm sure we've all been to that place. We are confused and we have a lot of questions. Life doesn't seem to make sense. And we ask God, why? Why all these problems? Why me?


Zac was confused too. He asked a lot of questions too. But never did he let go of his faith. He knew that God has plans for him. 

He opened his Bible and right there on Matthew 7:11: 

"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"  

He knew right away that God can only give him good gifts. And that was the time when he was able to say that, "Cancer is the best thing that ever happened to me."

Our problems may not go away. You still have cancer, you just lost your job or you lost a loved one. You have no money and you have no idea how you're going to get by. All your questions were unanswered. But let's learn from Zac Smith and do not  let our situations or sickness stop us from living our life to the full. 


Open your eyes and allow yourself to see life in a different lens.


Let Zac Smith tell you his story himself: VIDEO HERE.     

How To Test Your Perseverance: The Angry Birds Approach

The Angry Birds Approach

Angry Birds

Earlier today, Yahoo News reported that the famous gang of flying angry birds have reached a milestone. Ever since its release two years ago, it has been downloaded more than 500 million times worldwide. I don't think it will slow down for the next couple of years or so. It is indeed an Angry Birds invasion around the globe. In the Philippines alone, Angry Birds merchandises from key chains, toys, bags, shirts and many more are flying off the shelves fast.

I remember the first time I got hooked myself. I stayed up late for the next three days trying to finish all the challenges. There were times when I practically spent the whole day playing. It was both fun and frustrating. There were a number of really difficult challenges and I think I've done more or less a hundred tries (maybe it's exaggeration but I really felt it was close to a hundred) before I can move on to the next stage.

Setting "addiction" and "wasted time" aside, I think how we play Angry Birds tells us something about our attitude in life particularly, perseverance.

But first things first. Let's try to define what perseverance is. According to the www.thefreedictionary.com, it is a continued steady belief of efforts, withstanding discouragement or difficulty. 

I came up with these 4 questions* that might help gauge one's perseverance. Answer Yes or No.

1. Do you stay up till the wee hours of the night playing Angry Birds? If yes, up to what time? 
    This question tells us that if we are doing something fun and challenging, we can set our minds to do it and even withstand sleepiness.  

2. Do you strive to win all three stars for every challenge?
    The measure of how well we did killing all those catatonic pigs were measured through the stars given. We did good if we get one star, two for better and pretty damn well if we get all three. The first try will not always get us the three stars but I tend to go back and play again until I get a three. There's a feeling of fulfillment that goes with it if I did.   

3. Do you not stop trying as many times as you can to complete the difficult challenges?
    The pelicans are my least favorite among the angry birds. There was this one challenge and all I have were, you guessed it, the pelicans. It was really hard since I'm not very good with the timing. I was stuck after several tries, slept on it and tried again the next day. After like an eternity, I finally got it and I almost jumped for joy.       

4. Are you set to completing the game till the end?
    As you move on to the next level, the challenges sure were getting difficult to complete. There were times that it seemed pretty silly trying your hardest to get it right. But in the end, I'd still want to be able to say, "I did. I finished Angry Birds from start to end!"

Can you imagine if we are as persevering in our careers and goals in life the same way we play Angry Birds? Then we would have achieved a great deal of our goals and we'd be living a full life. Or how about if our careers and jobs are as fun as Angry Birds? Then it wouldn't be so hard to persevere. Life would both be fun and challenging and we are loving it.


*Disclaimer:
This is not based on any research or study. This is purely based on author's opinions. :)

How to Achieve Perfection: The Benjamin Franklin Approach

“Practice makes perfect, but nobody's perfect, so why practice?” 

― Kurt Cobain

This has become a famous quote and a famous EXCUSE.

It is a statement meant for humor but has become widely used as a go-to excuse for mediocrity.

Yes, it is true that nobody's perfect and perfection is an impossible feat that to attempt at it would be crazy. But what's crazier is to believe that it's not worth attempting at all. They say "why practice?" but I say, "why not?"

Perfection is not a state where it ends when we can say, "I am perfect!" nor simply a destination. To be perfect means you commit to a lifelong pursuit of it. You are in it not solely for what you will become but mainly for the amazing journey towards moral perfection. If we talk about math, perfection is like an asymptote. It is something that we get closer and closer to but we never really touches it or achieve it.

Let us learn from one of the founding fathers of America. He wrote in his memoirs at age seventy-eight,

"On the whole, tho' I never arrived at the Perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining, but fell far short of  it, yet I was by the Endeavor a better and a happier Man than I otherwise should have been, if I had not attempted at it." 

Benjamin Franklin is a man of many talents. He is a leading author, inventor, political theorist, postmaster, scientist, musician, satirist, civic activist, statesman and a diplomat. He is a legendary and a great man because at age twenty-two years old, barely out of his teen years, he had the audacity to endeavor the "bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection."

We may not become the next Franklins because there will never be one like him but I am convinced that at the end of our lives, we will be better, happier and wiser because we heeded Franklin's call to be as ambitious and aim for perfection.

In Hyrum W. Smith's book, "The 10 Natural Laws of Successful Time and Life Management," he included a list of Benjamin Franklin's 13 guidelines or "virtues" towards moral perfection.

• Temperance: "Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation."  
• Silence: "Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation."
• Order: "Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time." 
• Resolution: "Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve."
• Frugality: "Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; that is, waste nothing."
• Industry: "Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions."
• Sincerity: "Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly."
• Justice: "Wrong none by doing injuries; or omitting the benefits that are your duty."
• Moderation: "Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve."
• Cleanliness: "Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation."
• Tranquility: "Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable."
• Chastity: "Rarely use venery but for health or offspring; never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation."
• Humility: "Imitate Jesus and Socrates"

Franklin has already given us a head start. Here's how Benjamin Franklin did it: 

1. He identified his guidelines, values and virtues.
2. He organized his life into thirteen weekly cycles. Each week is dedicated to one virtue and he would focus mentally to align his actions with his values.

It was two steps. Let us come up with our own list and let us resolve to live our lives according to our list. If we live the same way Franklin did, it is without a doubt that we can call it a full life. 

Today is 11/11/11 at 11:11 AM PHT

While I was typing this post, I looked down on my computer clock and saw a string of ones! How often does that happen?

It's interesting and kinda special but that's about it for me. I don't believe in numerology or psychics or metaphysics. I see it as a set of numbers that occur once in a century.

But do you know that millions around the world who are numerologists, psychics, metaphysicists, occultists, theorists and their coven of followers believe that this day is special? I mean different special not normal special. Some believed in something supernatural happening on this day. Some thousands of people will gather for ceremonies, rituals and stuffs. Some gamblers are banking on the number 11. Others even scheduled weddings on this day which I deem more practical because the date is definitely memorable especially for the men who might easily forget anniversaries.

You may believe in superstitions or not. But at the end of the day, 11/11/11 11:11 are just numbers. It may or may not be special to you. Only you can tell. After all, time is something that transcends numbers. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely said,

"This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it."