Sunday, February 17, 2013

Trapped in an Endless to do list?




Have you ever experience finding yourself so overwhelmed because your TO-DO list seems endless? And you only have a very Little amount of time to accomplish the task? 




There are many aspects of our lives that requires our constant attentions and effort like businesses, works, studies, hobbies, commitments,recreation and  Family. 






It is very easy to get caught up with the busyness of things and If you are not careful of how you use your time you may end up spending more time on the things that matters less, and less time in the things that matters most.


It may be the perfect time to review your Priorities and decide what's important and what is not.


Focus or make a high priority on the things that would give you real happiness. When you get things according to your priorities all things will fall to it's place.You will even find more time to do the things you need to do.


In that way you don't have to regret missing the precious moments. 

Do things today- and not regret one day

The details of your life and my life may differ, We may be born on a different year, different places, or under a different circumstances, But I know all of us grew up in a place called home.

It could be you grew up with your adoptive parents, or a grandparents, your relatives, or with your own parents and siblings, or you may be living with the family you are making now, or you may be dreaming what kind of family you hope to have someday, Each of us holds some precious memories of our home and families.

For me when I think of home I cant resist thinking of my mom's cooking, the song she used to sing to us, and her words of advice, and her gentle care. I am also reminded how delicious my father's freshly cached fish are.


And of course who will ever forget my siblings noise. I would always love to treasure the time when we as a family gathered together during evening, watched the stars, share our experiences at school and so many more activities that we used to do together, And you know what, now that I'm living far away from them, I missed them, I wished I had been a better daughter to my parents and better sister to my siblings than I was.


What about you? If your living away, What's your last memory of Home? What are their last memories of you? 

If you are still living with your parents, What are the things you are doing now to create a better home and a better relationship with your family and loved ones?

Think of your relationship with those you love, is it good enough or is there something that you may need to change and improve? if your answer is YES, Now is the right time to do better and be better, do not procrastinate the things that really matters most in life.

Here are some of the things that i though might be helpful as you strive to improve your relationship with your loved ones:


1.) Never Assume - One of the common mistake most of us are guilty is that too often we assume that our loved ones already knew that we love them. We must never assume, Ask yourself, when was that last time you give you parents, sister, daughter and people that are special to you a hug? If that was over a year a ago now is the perfect time to do it. Always express and show your love to them while the sun still shines or else you may fill your days with regrets for not expressing what you really feel about them.

 2.)Do not take our loved ones for granted - We live in a very busy world when lots of things requires our time and attention, too often we are so caught up with the business of the world that we often fail to take time to pause, to take time to listen, to spend time with our love ones. A simple tap at their backs will do, or a simple words of encouragement would make great a difference. Never let a day pass by without doing something that would let them know they are important to you.


    

3.) Live today as if it is your last day. It means to make the most of today without any reservation to love and to live. Life is special, savor it now.As you do this things you will become much aware of your loved ones feelings, your appreciation for them will grow and relationship with them will improve and therefore you can conclude that you are really living your life to the fullest, and you will be a lot happier than ever.


               

YOU WORTH MORE THAN YOU THINK YOU ARE.

I wish I could show you, When you are lonely or in darkness, The astonishing light of your own being. ~Hafiz


The saddest thing that can happen to a person is living his/her life not knowing or realizing his/her true worth and value.


  
Too many people today go about their lives thinking they worth less or nothing,when in reality, they are the most beautiful and elegant masterpiece made from the hands of the Great Architect of the universe.

 The World’s way of measuring people’s worth has brought so much confusion in every people’s mind as to things pertaining to his real identity and value.

They see it in terms of a person’s social status, achievements, wealth, power, intellectual capacity and even based on their physical appearance. When one meets all the criteria then he/she is considered as a man/woman of great value and worth. 
However when one is proven to be less than what the world’s measuring cup requires he/she will then be treated as a person of lesser value. Because of this, most of us have felt at one time or another that we don’t quite fit in, sad or inadequate


Sadly this way of measuring a person’s value is very rampant in our society today. If we will open our eyes you’ll see that it’s almost everywhere now.  Sometimes they happen in the classroom, in the workplace or even in our very homes.

You should not let the worlds scale of measurement to make you believe that you worth nothing or less than what you really are.

This reminds me of a story written by a Danish poet Hans Christian Andersen .                      
“The Ugly Duckling”

There was once a mother duck who is waiting for her eggs to hatch. She waited patiently until the final egg hatched; she was surprised to see a very Large and ugly duckling which came out of the last egg. He looks very different from the other. Because of his unusual appearance the other ducklings were unkind to him and excluded him. Heartbroken and frustrated, the ugly duckling leaves to find a place in the world where he’ll be accepted.


While On his journey he saw a group of majestic bird flying above him, He looked at them with awe. He wishes He could be as beautiful as they are. He takes flight and follows them to a beautiful lake. In the water He saw a reflection of a magnificent swan; soon he realized that the reflection was his very own.

In the story “The ugly Duckling” In the story “The ugly Duckling” what has taken place in the life of the young swan? 

Did his situation change?  No!  He is still the same duckling the others used to call ugly. But what has changed is his perspective of himself. All his life He was led to believe he is UGLY.  But now, He finally knows his real identity and worth. He is a Beautiful swan and it’s what he really is and not an ugly duckling.


Some of you may be like the young swan; misinformed about your true worth.  I urge you to look into the water and see your true reflection. The knowledge of your true worth and value will help sustain you through the most challenging and difficult situation you may be facing.


So when self doubt arise. Remember how beautiful and special you are, regardless of how the world sees you.  Because God the great architect of the universe is the one who made you and He made no mistake. He loves you and cares deeply about you. You were not here by accident; your life has a purpose. Within you is implanted great goodness, Use it well. It will give you happiness as well as in the lives of others around you.


Make your life worthwhile. Recognize your strength and strive to overcome your weaknesses. As you do so your true value will become more visible to you. Have a better Perspective of yourself, Have a better life.


Make your presence felt.


Sometimes you may feel that you are just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less without that missing drop.



So no matter how less or insignificant your contribution may seems, the little things you do can make a difference in the world that desperately needs it.
The story of the starfish by Loren Eiseley has never fails to remind me that every single act of kindness matters.

 Upon picking up the starfish one by one and throwing them back in the ocean a young man was asked by his curious observer, what he was doing.
“I’m saving them” He answered

 His observer replied, “But there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. I’m afraid you won’t really be able to make much of a difference.”
The young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as he could into the ocean. Then he turned, smiled and said, “It made a difference to that one!”



Almost every day we hear reports of abuse and other sad and painful stories that are happening around us.  This world has received enough pain, heartaches and sorrows, as a result of pride, selfishness, anger, and inequality caused by others and even ourselves; let’s not add to its heartache anymore, instead seek to be a part of the solutions.


Making this world a better place for everyone is not an easy task, but if you will show a little more love and concern for others you are certainly making a difference.


Sometimes it is the small acts of kindness that we do each day that can truly make a difference on the life on others, let us not be afraid to care a little more, there are hands that hang downs, eyes that are wet, and hearts that are broken, let’s not leave them unaided. We cannot afford to see them suffer without doing anything to help.

We can make our presence felt by losing ourselves in service to others. It need not the grandest act but should be done with sincerity.
It can be tiring and inconvenient sometimes, but as you strive to care for others your capacity to love and appreciate life will increase, and your heart will be filled with joy.

I believe that one of the purposes why we are here is to make a difference- let us fulfill that purpose. 

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Small and Simple Things that will keep Marriage Last and Strong


They say that by small things, great miracles come to pass. This also applies to a marriage relationship.

Dean L. Larsen, a christian leader once said that "Marriages don't succeed automatically, those who build happy, secure, successful marriages pay the price, To do so, they work at it constantly." I believe in this statement. Just like the plant that needs simple things like water and sunlight in order to live and grow, and so our relationship with our spouse needs simple constant efforts to strengthen and to make it our best experience ever in life

I had been married to a wonderful man for almost two years, and I can tell that the decision in marrying my husband was the reason I am experiencing the sweetness of life. I am not saying that our marriage was without trials and challenges, we do, just like any other couple experience some difficulties. But our ability to cope up with our differences and to love each other despite our imperfections makes our marriage life together a joyful one.




Being friends - I guess one thing that truly helps us to joyfully face life together is that because we do not only see each other as husband and wife, but also as friends - best of friends. Being best of friends means being open to each other and sensitive enough to feel your partner's feelings, desires and needs.


Dates - We keep our courtship alive by going on regular dates. Dating means leaving the worries behind and spending quality time with one's spouse. It draws the couple closer to each other. Washing clothes and dishes may not be appealing to some but these activities are considered dating and surely fun (for us women). When your budget permits, going on movies or going on an overnight swimming will add spice to your dates.


Forgiveness - I believe that in a relationship, saying "I'm sorry" is as important as saying "I love you". When misunderstandings arise, we always reconcile by saying the sweet five letter word "sorry" as quick as we can. I think that right question when faced with this situation is WHAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO? instead of WHO IS RIGHT OR WRONG?, and the answer will always be clear-forgive and forget.





Actions - Hugs and kisses may seem simple to many but these simple acts can make a relationship lasts a lifetime. My husband never fails to express his love for me through services; he would sometimes wash the dishes, help me hang the clothes, cook foods, or throwing "I love you" on Facebook when he is online and away. These things mean a lot to me and I love him more when he does those things.



Words - Words are powerful, it can break or make a man. Choosing which words we'll say will define how long a relationship will last. So choose to speak kind words to each other even in times of misunderstandings. Words of kindness, appreciations and encouragements will always result positive things.

When we truly love our spouse, we will do everything in our power to elevate and protect our relationship. The above mentioned principles may seem simple yet when practiced and applied would help bring joy, fulfillment and success into your marriage. Strengthen your relationship to overcome whatever device the world is using to destroy families. A harmonious relationship will be a sanctuary despite living in this troubled world.




Gratitude is a Key to Happiness



In the bible we read:  In every thing give  thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you .
(1 Thessalonians 5:18) 

The Lord wants you to have a spirit of gratitude in all you do and say. 

 As you live in thanksgiving daily you will experience greater happiness and satisfaction in life.

Your appreciation towards other people will increase and you will most likely have a better relationship with the people around you.


 As good as it may feel ,  I know that to be CONSISTENTLY grateful would be a CHALLENGE  for some, especially in times when everything is failing, in times of sorrows, betrayal, disappointments or loss of a love ones. 


Sometimes our trials and problems can make it hard to for us see our blessings and to appreciate the blessings God has in store for us in the future. 


One of my most favorite song is called COUNT YOUR BLESSING  has personally help me to see my blessings amidst trials :It says When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.  let us count our blessings big and small, When we do this things our hearts will be filled with gratitude and joy for all our blessings.




So never withhold a word of thanks for someone who do you favor, small as it seems but saying thank you would bring magic to any relationship.  Above all Thank your Heavenly Father for giving you such a wonderful life, for everything of your dear possession are from HIM.





Friday, February 10, 2012

The Dash



I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?