Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Yes, Filipinos can.....

Heard from a television news item the other day that one of the happiest countries is Denmark. Why? First, it is one of the most prosperous countries in the world and land of the free. Another program on Philippine television "Wowowee " aired at noontime today with host Willie Revillame said Filipinos can just be as happy because we are all survivors despite all these crises (poverty, hunger, etc.). We never give up and lose hope because of our strong faith in the Almighty. And he added: Filipinos still long to win in lotteries (Philippine Lotto) and lastly, their last hope is joining "Wowowee" and win prizes allotted by ABS CBN at this noontime show. In contrast with Denmark, we are not a prosperous nation but Filipinos are happy people despite the food shortage, unemployment, insufficient housing and clothing needs and other problems. Yes, we can be and we will always be happy in any way we can - it has become part and parcel of our personality and our culture!

Taming the tongue....

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

With the tongue we praise our Master and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the Almighty Father's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.

A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.

And finally, pleasant words are a honeycomb, SWEET TO THE SOUL AND HEALING TO THE BONES.

Therefore let our hearts guide our mouth so we become wiser each day that our lips may promote instruction to many of our brothers who need it .

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Of cats and dogs....

Haven't searched about cats and dogs yet , got no idea of their lifespan or which live longer, which are more genius and have good memories, or mind you, in terms of loyalty to their masters, which can we call loyalists , cats or dogs? I would say loyalists because they know their masters' smell from the tip of their hair to the tip of their toes.

"Rambo" , my sister Jenny's dog, a black Rottweiler , died of a heart attack as diagnosed by its vet yesterday. It's only natural to cry for his loss, he's been part of Jenny's life, a guard, a listener, a company. The last time I saw him was 2 years ago with another dog (a boxer), named "Ecus". The latter was sickly as I observed, eyes were watery and Ecus could hardly open them. Rambo has lots of energy, so big that his size would scare away neighbors and visitors. . He would run loose outside the fence and running and catching him was a big ordeal. Got no choice, I have to run after him and carry him anyway or bear the consequence. He would prefer eating dog foods, messing inside rooms especially the bathroom. A sign on its door would read, "always close the door" for "Rambo" and "Ecus", I supposed.

Dogs are man's best friends, yet until now, it still puzzles me. Why dogs not man or cats or monkeys or horses or birds? Why dogs? All I know is that dogs , if you continue feeding them would wag their tails as a sign of gratitude, and excitingly jump at you and give you a warm embrace upon your return. They're always there to greet their masters (if only they could smile and laugh) and their presence brings joy and beauty to life.

I share the same sentiment with my sister Jenny today and will likewise miss Rambo. There will always be other Rambo's around, the same dog's traits , talents and loyalty to his master. The old dog is gone but his wonderful , unforgettable memories are there to keep. And life must still go on .......

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Forgiveness

"Then Peter came to the Messiah and asked, 'Master, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? The Messiah answered, ' I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. " (Matthew 18:21) If you go on reading this verse, it is the parable of the unmerciful servant wherein the latter owed his master ten thousand talents. The King (master) demanded that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. The servant fell on his knees before his master, and begged to forgive him. The servant's master took pity on him, cancelled the debt and let him go. But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him and demanded to pay back what he owed him. His fellow servant begged to be patient with him and he will pay him back.

But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. The master learned about this unforgiving servant and called him. 'You wicked servant, he said, 'I cancelled all your debts because you begged me to but you had no mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'

In anger his master turned him over to the jailers until he should pay back all he owed.

This is how the Heavenly Father will treat each of us unless we forgive our brother from our heart.

The conditions of forgiveness in this parable:

  1. Forgive your brother seventy-seven times.
  2. Forgive those brothers who have wronged you before the Heavenly Father forgives you.
  3. Finally, forgive your brother from your heart.
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