Watching the rescue and relief operations in Haiti can make a person realize that disaster can strike anywhere, anytime and at anyplace. The question is -- are you covered should disaster strike?
Showing posts with label Peter Allan Mariano. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peter Allan Mariano. Show all posts
Benefit from Independent Agents with Jerry Murdock Insurance
Watching the rescue and relief operations in Haiti can make a person realize that disaster can strike anywhere, anytime and at anyplace. The question is -- are you covered should disaster strike?
Alex Crisses and Insight Venture Partners: Making Mind Matters Work
(photo from Minds Matter and Alex Crisses)
Education is a very important aspect in the development of an individual. Having a good foundation in education can be a critical determining factor of how that particular individual could be successful in the future.
LETTERS: My Weakness, His Strength
( Original Letter : June 22, 2003 )
To my dear friends in Christ;
Kamusta na kayong lahat diyan? It seems I’m having trouble receiving email traffic from the SFC Muntinlupa egroups, although Pearl confirmed that you received my previous “Letters”. Anyway, I always hope to receive individual emails from all of you – anything from chika-chika, to problems, and to old, plain and simple kamustahan. It would be a source of upliftment and encouragement for me, lalong-lalo na ngayong malayo ako sa inyo at sa iba ko pang mga loved ones.
Mahirap talaga ang buhay-Saudi. I don’t know where people got the notion that Saudi Boys are pa-easy-easy lang; marami at madaling makakuha ng pera; at puro good time. It’s completely the opposite here. But there are also light moments here that I would cherish.
One example is this incident when I went to Batah ( it’s like the Divisoria and Baclaran here in Riyadh, particularly in the Pinoy Market area, para mamasyal (nakaka-buryong naman kasi talaga!!! ). I was wearing this t-shirt that my father sent me. It was a t-shirt that he bought from Bangladesh, while he was working there. It has a very nice rubberized picture printed in the front with the word “Bangladesh” in clear, bold letters below the picture. Now, in Batah, most of the store vendors are Bangladeshi guys, and they were making a big deal of my wearing a t-shirt with “Bangladesh” printed on it. They were very surprised why a clearly Filipino guy would wear a t-shirt such as this. I was wondering why my t-shirt elicited such a reaction from them.
Then it dawned on me. The Bangladeshi people are considered one of the cheapest and the lowest of the low in Saudi’s labor force – while the Pinoy is way up there on top of the ladder. They really look up to us Pinoys as “above” their class. No wonder their eyes bulged when they saw me wearing a t-shirt like that. It would have been different if they saw me with a t-shirt saying Chicago Bulls, Italy or even Cebu….. but Bangladesh…. a… a….
The Bangladesh people are not the only ones who look up to the Pinoy this way, but the other nationalities as well – Nepali; Pakistani; Indian; Sudanese; Thailanders; etc. Even the western nationals – the Brits and the Yanks – would choose a Pinoy over the other nationals any day. But you know what, we Pinoys tend to be rude and arrogant to other nationalities because of that – even to our own. Let’s face it – the Pinoy has many strengths, even rivaling what the rest of the world has to offer – but we also have flaws that tend to negate these strengths, pulling us all down – specially with regards to our kalokohans.
In a society where a man could not associate with a woman in public unless they’re married – Pinoys still find ways to have “dates” – irregardless of their date’s marital status, if you know what I mean. In a society where possession of liquor is punishable by law ( in the old days, it would be a death sentence) – Pinoys still have a way to make their own homemade brew, and make profits out of it. ( Not only liquor, but even drugs. ) In a society where gambling is prohibited – Pinoys flourish with Pusoy, Tong-its, Mahjong, the local version of huweteng, and I’ve heard even sabong. ( There’s a whole lot more, and this prompted me to write about it as a script which I submitted to Star Cinema. I’ll share that to you later on. )
These things tend to pull the Pinoy down. But those who perpetrate these things are even proud that they can get away with it – and alas, most Pinoys here would agree. Blame it on homesickness, they would say . Yeah, that word again – homesick.
I think I’ve written to you before how homesickness could really gnaw up to your bone marrow, for someone who’s away from their loved ones for a long time – just like me. But in these hours of weakness, in these moments of vulnerability, who do we turn to? Just like David, we turn to Him:
“ The Lord is my strength and my shield,
in him my heart trusts. ”
Psalm 28:7 RSV
For the Lord said :
“ God said I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. ”
Isaiah 41:10 RSV
And He Himself showed us the way :
“ For we do not have a High Priest who is unable
to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have One
who has been tempted in every way, just as we are –
yet was without sin. ”
Hebrews 4:15 NIV
Paul was one of the greatest Apostles, although he was not one of the original Twelve. He was entrusted by God surpassing wisdom and knowledge never before revealed to man – and thus he was tasked with the ministry of bringing the Good News to the gentiles – to us. And yet, he did not boast of this greatness, nor let it get into his head. In fact, he himself said :
“ If I must boast, I will boast of the things
that shows my weakness. ”
2 Corinthians 11:30 NIV
Bible scholars say that Paul has some form of deformity in his body. Some say he may have been a hunchback and others speculate that he may have been a Stigmata ( having a wound identical to Christ – and it won’t heal ). And any of these things came upon him during his ministry to the gentiles. He himself chronicled this in his letter :
“ To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a THORN IN MY FLESH a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me, but He said to me, ‘My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s Power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong . ”
2 Corinthians 12: 7-10 NIV
“My Power is made perfect in WEAKNESS,” that’s what Jesus said to Paul – and the same applies to us. It’s during the time of weakness that we should rely more on Him – in fact we should rely everything on Him. The more we put our trust in Him, the more His power in us is made more evident.
Easily said than done, ‘di ba? In times of weakness, in times of loneliness, in times of brokenness – we tend to lose our trust in Him. We rely more on what we know we have – our own strength – and tend to lose whatever faith we got.
But if we learn to rely more on Him in everything – lalong-lalo na sa mga oras na walang-wala na talagang pag-asa or give-up ka na – we’ll soon discover that He really is true to His promises; that He really is our refuge and strength, a very present help ( take note of the word “present” meaning timing) in times of trouble ( Psalm 46:1). I know – I’ve experienced it first hand so many times. And taking Paul’ example :
“ I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength . ”
Philippians 4: 12-13 NIV
“ I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Wow! Strong words, strong implications – but these are not merely words, mind you.
How can we learn to trust in Him? Know His Promises. And how do we do that? – by contemplating on His Word. You know, there are times when I really feel down. Even though I’ve just talked with Mommy Jing or Kenji on the phone, once you’ve been hit by homesickness, it really gets kind of lonely out here. What do I do? I gain strength through His Words. In this strict society where other religion is banned, I happen to accidentally ( if I could really term it an “accident” as this has been one of “mysterious ways” from God ) found a small booklet called “Daily Strength”. True to its title, His Words that is contained in this small booklet really sustains me, for, as the first Scripture reference in this book says :
“ That… by the encouragement of the Scriptures
we might have hope . ”
Romans 15:4 RSV
So, my brothers and sisters, learn to trust in Him. As the song goes, “…lean not on your own understanding”. In times of weakness – look to Him – and you’ll find strength – His Strength.
At the precise moment that I’m writing this letter, I was also communicating with Pearl ( thru SMS ) that you guys are there together with the Couples at the CFC Family Ministries Anniversary. Wow, I sure do hope I could be there with you so we could rock the place together. Anyway, I know that He, the Rock Himself, is there with you…. to give you STRENGTH in everything. See ya later!!!
Shalom,
Brod. Pete
“ I lift up my eyes to the hills,
from whence does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved,
He who keeps you will not slumber.”
Psalm 121:1-3 RSV
“Letters from my Sojourn”
© 2008 by Peter Allan Mariano
Talakayan at Kalusugan - DWAD1098KHz 10-11am Every Tuesday
The Big NM - Network Management for Filipinos
Links2Prosperity Marketing - Web Marketing : Web Content : Web Design
Entreplink Philippines - Moderator
Follow me on TWITTER:
Join my FACEBOOK Family:
To my dear friends in Christ;
Kamusta na kayong lahat diyan? It seems I’m having trouble receiving email traffic from the SFC Muntinlupa egroups, although Pearl confirmed that you received my previous “Letters”. Anyway, I always hope to receive individual emails from all of you – anything from chika-chika, to problems, and to old, plain and simple kamustahan. It would be a source of upliftment and encouragement for me, lalong-lalo na ngayong malayo ako sa inyo at sa iba ko pang mga loved ones.
Mahirap talaga ang buhay-Saudi. I don’t know where people got the notion that Saudi Boys are pa-easy-easy lang; marami at madaling makakuha ng pera; at puro good time. It’s completely the opposite here. But there are also light moments here that I would cherish.
One example is this incident when I went to Batah ( it’s like the Divisoria and Baclaran here in Riyadh, particularly in the Pinoy Market area, para mamasyal (nakaka-buryong naman kasi talaga!!! ). I was wearing this t-shirt that my father sent me. It was a t-shirt that he bought from Bangladesh, while he was working there. It has a very nice rubberized picture printed in the front with the word “Bangladesh” in clear, bold letters below the picture. Now, in Batah, most of the store vendors are Bangladeshi guys, and they were making a big deal of my wearing a t-shirt with “Bangladesh” printed on it. They were very surprised why a clearly Filipino guy would wear a t-shirt such as this. I was wondering why my t-shirt elicited such a reaction from them.
Then it dawned on me. The Bangladeshi people are considered one of the cheapest and the lowest of the low in Saudi’s labor force – while the Pinoy is way up there on top of the ladder. They really look up to us Pinoys as “above” their class. No wonder their eyes bulged when they saw me wearing a t-shirt like that. It would have been different if they saw me with a t-shirt saying Chicago Bulls, Italy or even Cebu….. but Bangladesh…. a… a….
The Bangladesh people are not the only ones who look up to the Pinoy this way, but the other nationalities as well – Nepali; Pakistani; Indian; Sudanese; Thailanders; etc. Even the western nationals – the Brits and the Yanks – would choose a Pinoy over the other nationals any day. But you know what, we Pinoys tend to be rude and arrogant to other nationalities because of that – even to our own. Let’s face it – the Pinoy has many strengths, even rivaling what the rest of the world has to offer – but we also have flaws that tend to negate these strengths, pulling us all down – specially with regards to our kalokohans.
In a society where a man could not associate with a woman in public unless they’re married – Pinoys still find ways to have “dates” – irregardless of their date’s marital status, if you know what I mean. In a society where possession of liquor is punishable by law ( in the old days, it would be a death sentence) – Pinoys still have a way to make their own homemade brew, and make profits out of it. ( Not only liquor, but even drugs. ) In a society where gambling is prohibited – Pinoys flourish with Pusoy, Tong-its, Mahjong, the local version of huweteng, and I’ve heard even sabong. ( There’s a whole lot more, and this prompted me to write about it as a script which I submitted to Star Cinema. I’ll share that to you later on. )
These things tend to pull the Pinoy down. But those who perpetrate these things are even proud that they can get away with it – and alas, most Pinoys here would agree. Blame it on homesickness, they would say . Yeah, that word again – homesick.
I think I’ve written to you before how homesickness could really gnaw up to your bone marrow, for someone who’s away from their loved ones for a long time – just like me. But in these hours of weakness, in these moments of vulnerability, who do we turn to? Just like David, we turn to Him:
“ The Lord is my strength and my shield,
in him my heart trusts. ”
Psalm 28:7 RSV
For the Lord said :
“ God said I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. ”
Isaiah 41:10 RSV
And He Himself showed us the way :
“ For we do not have a High Priest who is unable
to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have One
who has been tempted in every way, just as we are –
yet was without sin. ”
Hebrews 4:15 NIV
Paul was one of the greatest Apostles, although he was not one of the original Twelve. He was entrusted by God surpassing wisdom and knowledge never before revealed to man – and thus he was tasked with the ministry of bringing the Good News to the gentiles – to us. And yet, he did not boast of this greatness, nor let it get into his head. In fact, he himself said :
“ If I must boast, I will boast of the things
that shows my weakness. ”
2 Corinthians 11:30 NIV
Bible scholars say that Paul has some form of deformity in his body. Some say he may have been a hunchback and others speculate that he may have been a Stigmata ( having a wound identical to Christ – and it won’t heal ). And any of these things came upon him during his ministry to the gentiles. He himself chronicled this in his letter :
“ To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a THORN IN MY FLESH a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me, but He said to me, ‘My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s Power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong . ”
2 Corinthians 12: 7-10 NIV
“My Power is made perfect in WEAKNESS,” that’s what Jesus said to Paul – and the same applies to us. It’s during the time of weakness that we should rely more on Him – in fact we should rely everything on Him. The more we put our trust in Him, the more His power in us is made more evident.
Easily said than done, ‘di ba? In times of weakness, in times of loneliness, in times of brokenness – we tend to lose our trust in Him. We rely more on what we know we have – our own strength – and tend to lose whatever faith we got.
But if we learn to rely more on Him in everything – lalong-lalo na sa mga oras na walang-wala na talagang pag-asa or give-up ka na – we’ll soon discover that He really is true to His promises; that He really is our refuge and strength, a very present help ( take note of the word “present” meaning timing) in times of trouble ( Psalm 46:1). I know – I’ve experienced it first hand so many times. And taking Paul’ example :
“ I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength . ”
Philippians 4: 12-13 NIV
“ I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Wow! Strong words, strong implications – but these are not merely words, mind you.
How can we learn to trust in Him? Know His Promises. And how do we do that? – by contemplating on His Word. You know, there are times when I really feel down. Even though I’ve just talked with Mommy Jing or Kenji on the phone, once you’ve been hit by homesickness, it really gets kind of lonely out here. What do I do? I gain strength through His Words. In this strict society where other religion is banned, I happen to accidentally ( if I could really term it an “accident” as this has been one of “mysterious ways” from God ) found a small booklet called “Daily Strength”. True to its title, His Words that is contained in this small booklet really sustains me, for, as the first Scripture reference in this book says :
“ That… by the encouragement of the Scriptures
we might have hope . ”
Romans 15:4 RSV
So, my brothers and sisters, learn to trust in Him. As the song goes, “…lean not on your own understanding”. In times of weakness – look to Him – and you’ll find strength – His Strength.
At the precise moment that I’m writing this letter, I was also communicating with Pearl ( thru SMS ) that you guys are there together with the Couples at the CFC Family Ministries Anniversary. Wow, I sure do hope I could be there with you so we could rock the place together. Anyway, I know that He, the Rock Himself, is there with you…. to give you STRENGTH in everything. See ya later!!!
Shalom,
Brod. Pete
“ I lift up my eyes to the hills,
from whence does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved,
He who keeps you will not slumber.”
Psalm 121:1-3 RSV
“Letters from my Sojourn”
© 2008 by Peter Allan Mariano
The Big NM - Network Management for Filipinos
Links2Prosperity Marketing - Web Marketing : Web Content : Web Design
Entreplink Philippines - Moderator
Follow me on TWITTER:
Join my FACEBOOK Family:
Compound Interest
( I would like to share an article from my friend Richard Rundell)
Einstein said that the greatest thing was compound interest. What is compound interest? You earn interest on not only the principal but also on the interest earned. Interest on the interest. Who created the concept of compound interest? God. If God created it for the financial world then would not He also apply that same principle to spiritual things? Paul wrote to the Ephesians,
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen”
(Eph 3:20-21).
Neither God’s love nor power is limited by our imaginations.
God does not subtract or add but multiplies and He does not just multiply but multiples at a compound rate. What is God’s interest rate? Five percent? No! A thousand percent or a million percent, whatever the need. Did He not multiply the loaves and fishes to feed 5,000 men plus women and children?
When God gives you revelation knowledge and you put it into practice, He gives you not only new revelation knowledge the next day or moment, but also revelation knowledge applied to the revelation knowledge He just gave you. That is compounding. Just as your savings account does not just sit in a bank vault but the banker invests it in means of production, so we must first acknowledge the gifts and blessings God gives us and second, put them into practice. But just as the banker needs the initial deposit with which to work with or to apply interest, we need to study and meditate on the Scriptures in order for God to have something with which to work and begin to compound.
Revelation knowledge is not a dead end street. But as we receive revelation knowledge, it opens new doors to further revelation knowledge. Remember that Peter, by revelation knowledge, declared that Jesus was the Christ (Matt. 16:16). We can apply the same principle to our initial salvation experience. It is not an end in itself but the beginning of our Christian walk and a glorious relationship with Jesus Christ. The gifts of the Spirit likewise are not ends in themselves but the beginning of a means to help us bless the body of Christ and to give glory to God.
God not only gives us blessings but blesses (compounds) those blessings. He not only grants us holiness but compounds that holiness with a holy application of that holiness. What about grace? God not only gives us grace but graces (compounds) the grace He has just given us.
As we receive the love that God imparts to us, and we reach out to others with that love, God compounds that love by heaping new forms of love on our very acts of love. The same principle applies to joy, peace and other characteristics of the Christian life God gives to us. Let us rejoice for His unspeakable, exceeding, abundant love for us.
© Richard Rundell
www.kingdombiblenuggets.org
shared by:
Talakayan at Kalusugan - DWAD1098KHz 10-11am Every Tuesday
The Big NM - Network Management for Filipinos
Links2Prosperity Marketing - Web Marketing : Web Content : Web Design
Entreplink Philippines - Moderator
Follow me on TWITTER:
Join my FACEBOOK Family:
Einstein said that the greatest thing was compound interest. What is compound interest? You earn interest on not only the principal but also on the interest earned. Interest on the interest. Who created the concept of compound interest? God. If God created it for the financial world then would not He also apply that same principle to spiritual things? Paul wrote to the Ephesians,
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen”
(Eph 3:20-21).
Neither God’s love nor power is limited by our imaginations.
God does not subtract or add but multiplies and He does not just multiply but multiples at a compound rate. What is God’s interest rate? Five percent? No! A thousand percent or a million percent, whatever the need. Did He not multiply the loaves and fishes to feed 5,000 men plus women and children?
When God gives you revelation knowledge and you put it into practice, He gives you not only new revelation knowledge the next day or moment, but also revelation knowledge applied to the revelation knowledge He just gave you. That is compounding. Just as your savings account does not just sit in a bank vault but the banker invests it in means of production, so we must first acknowledge the gifts and blessings God gives us and second, put them into practice. But just as the banker needs the initial deposit with which to work with or to apply interest, we need to study and meditate on the Scriptures in order for God to have something with which to work and begin to compound.
Revelation knowledge is not a dead end street. But as we receive revelation knowledge, it opens new doors to further revelation knowledge. Remember that Peter, by revelation knowledge, declared that Jesus was the Christ (Matt. 16:16). We can apply the same principle to our initial salvation experience. It is not an end in itself but the beginning of our Christian walk and a glorious relationship with Jesus Christ. The gifts of the Spirit likewise are not ends in themselves but the beginning of a means to help us bless the body of Christ and to give glory to God.
God not only gives us blessings but blesses (compounds) those blessings. He not only grants us holiness but compounds that holiness with a holy application of that holiness. What about grace? God not only gives us grace but graces (compounds) the grace He has just given us.
As we receive the love that God imparts to us, and we reach out to others with that love, God compounds that love by heaping new forms of love on our very acts of love. The same principle applies to joy, peace and other characteristics of the Christian life God gives to us. Let us rejoice for His unspeakable, exceeding, abundant love for us.
© Richard Rundell
www.kingdombiblenuggets.org
shared by:
Peter Allan C. Mariano
The Big NM - Network Management for Filipinos
Links2Prosperity Marketing - Web Marketing : Web Content : Web Design
Entreplink Philippines - Moderator
Follow me on TWITTER:
Join my FACEBOOK Family:
Love: the Greatest Value of All
Watching You
The passengers on the bus watched sympathetically as the attractive young woman with the white cane made her way carefully up the steps. She paid the driver and, using her hands to feel the location of the seats, walked down the aisle and found the seat he'd told her was empty. Then she settled in, placed her briefcase on her lap and rested her cane against her leg.
It had been a year since Susan, 34, became blind. Due to a medical misdiagnosis she had been rendered sightless, and she was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness, anger, frustration and self-pity. And all she had to cling to was her husband, Mark. Mark was an Air Force officer and he loved Susan with all his heart. When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair and was determined to help his wife gain the strength and confidence she needed to become independent again.
Finally, Susan felt ready to return to her job, but how would she get there? She used to take the bus, but was now too frightened to get around the city by herself. Mark volunteered to drive her to work each day, even though they worked at opposite ends of the city. At first, this comforted Susan, and fulfilled Mark's need to protect his sightless wife who was so insecure about performing the slightest task.
Soon, however, Mark realized the arrangement wasn't working. Susan is going to have to start taking the bus again, he admitted to himself. But she was still so fragile, so angry how would she react? Just as he predicted, Susan was horrified at the idea of taking the bus again. "I'm blind!", she responded bitterly. "How am I supposed to know where I am going? I feel like you're abandoning me." Mark's heart broke to hear these words, but he knew what had to be done.
He promised Susan that each morning and evening he would ride the bus with her, for as long as it took, until she got the hang of it. And that is exactly what happened. For two solid weeks, Mark, military uniform and all, accompanied Susan to and from work each day. He taught her how to rely on her other senses, specifically her hearing, to determine where she was and how to adapt her new environment. He helped her befriend the bus drivers who could watch out for her, and save her a seat.
Finally, Susan decided that she was ready to try the trip on her own. Monday morning arrived, and before she left, she threw her arms around Mark, her temporary bus-riding companion, her husband, and her best friend. Her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for his loyalty, his patience, and his love. She said good-bye, and for the first time, they went their separate ways. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday... Each day on her own went perfectly, and Susan had never felt better. She was doing it! She was going to work all by herself.
On Friday morning, Susan took the bus to work as usual. As she was paying the fare to exit the bus, the driver said, "Boy, I sure do envy you."
Susan wasn't sure if the driver was speaking to her or not. After all, who on earth would ever envy a blind woman who had struggled just to find the courage to live for the past year? Curious, she asked the driver, "Why do you say that you envy me?"
The driver responded, "It must feel good to be taken cared of and protected like you are." Susan had no idea what the driver was talking about, and again asked, "What do you mean?" The driver answered, "You know, every morning for the past week, a fine looking gentleman in a military uniform has been standing across the corner watching you as you get off the bus. He makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches until you enter your office building. Then he blows you a kiss, gives you a little salute and walks away. You are one lucky lady."
Tears of happiness poured down Susan's cheeks. For although she couldn't physically see him, she had always felt Mark's presence. She was lucky, so lucky, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight, a gift she didn't need to see to believe - the gift of love that can bring light where there is darkness.
God watches over us in just the same way. We may not know He is present, but He is. We may not be able to see His face, but He is there nonetheless!
Be blessed in this thought. God loves You - even when you are not looking.
(source unkown)
----------
Talakayan at Kalusugan - DWAD1098KHz 10-11am Every Tuesday
The Big NM - Network Management for Filipinos
Links2Prosperity Marketing - Web Marketing : Web Content : Web Design
Entreplink Philippines - Moderator
Follow me on TWITTER:
Join my FACEBOOK Family:
The passengers on the bus watched sympathetically as the attractive young woman with the white cane made her way carefully up the steps. She paid the driver and, using her hands to feel the location of the seats, walked down the aisle and found the seat he'd told her was empty. Then she settled in, placed her briefcase on her lap and rested her cane against her leg.
It had been a year since Susan, 34, became blind. Due to a medical misdiagnosis she had been rendered sightless, and she was suddenly thrown into a world of darkness, anger, frustration and self-pity. And all she had to cling to was her husband, Mark. Mark was an Air Force officer and he loved Susan with all his heart. When she first lost her sight, he watched her sink into despair and was determined to help his wife gain the strength and confidence she needed to become independent again.
Finally, Susan felt ready to return to her job, but how would she get there? She used to take the bus, but was now too frightened to get around the city by herself. Mark volunteered to drive her to work each day, even though they worked at opposite ends of the city. At first, this comforted Susan, and fulfilled Mark's need to protect his sightless wife who was so insecure about performing the slightest task.
Soon, however, Mark realized the arrangement wasn't working. Susan is going to have to start taking the bus again, he admitted to himself. But she was still so fragile, so angry how would she react? Just as he predicted, Susan was horrified at the idea of taking the bus again. "I'm blind!", she responded bitterly. "How am I supposed to know where I am going? I feel like you're abandoning me." Mark's heart broke to hear these words, but he knew what had to be done.
He promised Susan that each morning and evening he would ride the bus with her, for as long as it took, until she got the hang of it. And that is exactly what happened. For two solid weeks, Mark, military uniform and all, accompanied Susan to and from work each day. He taught her how to rely on her other senses, specifically her hearing, to determine where she was and how to adapt her new environment. He helped her befriend the bus drivers who could watch out for her, and save her a seat.
Finally, Susan decided that she was ready to try the trip on her own. Monday morning arrived, and before she left, she threw her arms around Mark, her temporary bus-riding companion, her husband, and her best friend. Her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for his loyalty, his patience, and his love. She said good-bye, and for the first time, they went their separate ways. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday... Each day on her own went perfectly, and Susan had never felt better. She was doing it! She was going to work all by herself.
On Friday morning, Susan took the bus to work as usual. As she was paying the fare to exit the bus, the driver said, "Boy, I sure do envy you."
Susan wasn't sure if the driver was speaking to her or not. After all, who on earth would ever envy a blind woman who had struggled just to find the courage to live for the past year? Curious, she asked the driver, "Why do you say that you envy me?"
The driver responded, "It must feel good to be taken cared of and protected like you are." Susan had no idea what the driver was talking about, and again asked, "What do you mean?" The driver answered, "You know, every morning for the past week, a fine looking gentleman in a military uniform has been standing across the corner watching you as you get off the bus. He makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches until you enter your office building. Then he blows you a kiss, gives you a little salute and walks away. You are one lucky lady."
Tears of happiness poured down Susan's cheeks. For although she couldn't physically see him, she had always felt Mark's presence. She was lucky, so lucky, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight, a gift she didn't need to see to believe - the gift of love that can bring light where there is darkness.
God watches over us in just the same way. We may not know He is present, but He is. We may not be able to see His face, but He is there nonetheless!
Be blessed in this thought. God loves You - even when you are not looking.
(source unkown)
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Peter Allan C. Mariano
The Big NM - Network Management for Filipinos
Links2Prosperity Marketing - Web Marketing : Web Content : Web Design
Entreplink Philippines - Moderator
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Counting Valentines Roses
© 2009 by Peter Allan Mariano
Links 2 Prosperity
(photo courtesy of 1-800-Flowers.com)
Since our early days in school, we were often fascinated when Valentine’s Day comes. We would cutout hearts from colored paper then give them out to our crushes in a simple puppy love gesture. As we grew older, our Valentine’s Day gifts became more sophisticated – from greeting cards to single stemmed valentines roses.
But what does this gesture of giving out gifts and valentine’s flowers actually mean? Who was Valentine anyway? The Church identifies three possible people as the original Valentine, but the stories were as murky as the chocolate you get come Valentine’s Day. However, they do portray a person who is sympathetic, heroic and romantic.
One legend narrates that Valentine was a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II decree preventing young men from getting married and dedicate themselves as soldiers of Rome. Fighting this injustice, Valentine continued to perform marriage rites until he was caught and put to death. According to the legend, it was Valentine himself who sent the first valentine’s card to a girl, probably the jailor’s daughter, writing “from your Valentine”, which is still used as an expression in modern times. He was so famous during the middle ages that the Church commemorated the anniversary of his death, which is continuously celebrated until now.
In modern times, Valentine’s Day gifts almost always involve flowers, particularly roses. This practice has become very famous throughout the years that they even gave meaning to the number of roses given during Valentine’s Day.
1 rose: “You are the one.”
2 roses: mutual attraction or mutual understanding
3 roses: “I Love You”
4 roses: no meaning in particular but some Asian cultures consider this unlucky
6 roses: “I want to be yours.”
7 roses: infatuation
10 roses: “You are perfect”
12 roses: “Be mine”
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Knowing the background and history of Valentines gives a new meaning and purpose to this significant day, not only for lovers, but anyone who has love in their hearts.
© 2009
Talakayan at Kalusugan - DWAD1098KHz 10-11am Every Tuesday
The Big NM - Network Management for Filipinos
Links2Prosperity Marketing - Web Marketing : Web Content : Web Design
Entreplink Philippines - Moderator
Follow me on TWITTER:
Join my FACEBOOK Family:
Links 2 Prosperity
(photo courtesy of 1-800-Flowers.com)
Since our early days in school, we were often fascinated when Valentine’s Day comes. We would cutout hearts from colored paper then give them out to our crushes in a simple puppy love gesture. As we grew older, our Valentine’s Day gifts became more sophisticated – from greeting cards to single stemmed valentines roses.
But what does this gesture of giving out gifts and valentine’s flowers actually mean? Who was Valentine anyway? The Church identifies three possible people as the original Valentine, but the stories were as murky as the chocolate you get come Valentine’s Day. However, they do portray a person who is sympathetic, heroic and romantic.
One legend narrates that Valentine was a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II decree preventing young men from getting married and dedicate themselves as soldiers of Rome. Fighting this injustice, Valentine continued to perform marriage rites until he was caught and put to death. According to the legend, it was Valentine himself who sent the first valentine’s card to a girl, probably the jailor’s daughter, writing “from your Valentine”, which is still used as an expression in modern times. He was so famous during the middle ages that the Church commemorated the anniversary of his death, which is continuously celebrated until now.
In modern times, Valentine’s Day gifts almost always involve flowers, particularly roses. This practice has become very famous throughout the years that they even gave meaning to the number of roses given during Valentine’s Day.
1 rose: “You are the one.”
2 roses: mutual attraction or mutual understanding
3 roses: “I Love You”
4 roses: no meaning in particular but some Asian cultures consider this unlucky
6 roses: “I want to be yours.”
7 roses: infatuation
10 roses: “You are perfect”
12 roses: “Be mine”
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Knowing the background and history of Valentines gives a new meaning and purpose to this significant day, not only for lovers, but anyone who has love in their hearts.
© 2009
Peter Allan C. Mariano
The Big NM - Network Management for Filipinos
Links2Prosperity Marketing - Web Marketing : Web Content : Web Design
Entreplink Philippines - Moderator
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