Monday, August 30, 2010

Err in assumptions

The verb form of the word says it all : to assume. We make assumptions based on perceived meaning of each word, action, facial expression, tone of voice, and physical appearance. Unfortunately, we make these based on our past experiences, background, educational attainment, interaction with people and personal dreams. And because of this, we err. Why?Because they, too, come with different and varrying experiences and backgrounds.

What was meant as friendship could be mistaken as courtship. Words of concern could be considered as meddling. Expressions of dissatisfaction could be just a sign for more learning. Or for all these, it could be the other way around.

My experiences have brought me face to face with both kinds. When good intentions were looked upon suspiciously. And when attempts to correct a mistake not taken seriously. I try not to fall into the habit of making assumptions and instead look at everything positively. A Herculean task, it's true but we still try.

Someday, I might just succeed.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Two faceted change

Change is constant. There is no use trying to stop it from happening. It would be like pushing yourself against the strength of a powerful tide.

I like change. Often I crave it. There is beauty in seeing new things happening in our life. For together with change, there is learning. We are pushed to go beyond what we have known. We get to see and experience the "new."

Yet, the other side of change also bring sadness. We long for the days we have enjoyed, the friendships which flourished, the past which could never be again.

So we learn to accept the bitter-sweet change. Hoping that the next one to come would alleviate the longings and even make your life richer than before.

Sunday, August 08, 2010

Books that speak to me


The books in my room somehow reflect the things that I am dealing with right now.

The Me I want to be - John Ortberg
Infinite Impact - Stu Weber
Imagine your life without fear - Max Lucado
Keep a quiet heart - Elisabeth Elliot
My dream map - John C. Maxwell
The DNA of faith - H. Maurice Lednicky
A Million miles in a Thousand Years - Donald Miller

The last one has been haunting me the past few weeks. It talks about living a story worth telling. And I do want to do just that though I do not know where to start. And that is where Elisabeth Elliot has been been helping. Her words remind me that I need to be still and just wait upon the Lord. Often It is not easy. We often want to just jump into action and do the first thing that comes into mind. For what could be wrong with that if our objective is to honor God? A lot. If God wants us to remain quiet in His presence and wait for His direction. Especially if He wants you to just spend time knowing Him and loving Him.

So here I am, trying to be patient. Letting Him speak to me from His great book and other anointed people's books.

Saturday, August 07, 2010

A catty night


I paid for the ticket many months ago. I considered it as my birthday gift to myself. It did not come cheap. But famous musicals are not so common here. I thought it a good investment.


And it was. I totally enjoyed the show. Part of it, I believe, is because I am a catlover. It was marvelous to see the cat-like graceful movements that the dancers recreated. From the twitching of the nose, to the brushing of the paws against the cheek, to the twitching of the whole feline body. They all reflected the movements that my cats make every single day. Even the distracting activity that the actors did at the side stage was reminiscent of the playful antics of my pets.


Some people I know have declared their dislike of cats. They do have a point. Man is the master when it comes to dogs but cats? They are the king and queen of any humble abode or kingdom here on earth. Still, there is something endearing about them as they brush against your leg, or when they settle in your lap to purr and sleep.


Lovely show, beautiful voices, great set. Of course it is not perfect but it was a night I immensely enjoyed.


An except of a lovely song which reminded that we could always look something forward to because there is a tomorrow.


Daylight

I must wait for the sunrise

I must think of a new life

And I musn't give in

When the dawn comes

Tonight will be a memory too

And a new day will begin

Shoe Transitions

One of the things I listed as a goal to do this year is to wear normal shoes. Sounds weird? Is there such a thing as abnormal shoes? For more than 10 years now, I have been wearing boots. Day in, day out. Rain or shine. For local or overseas trips. I made a few concessions, like rubber shoes when I go to the gym. The farthest I could do was to wear glittery and flat sandals for a few hours when there is a formal affair I have to go to. And when I do this, I make sure that I have a ride to and from the event place.


Friends have tried to convince me that it is okay start wearing “normal shoes” again. It was not easy to do though. I have to consider the dangers lurking around that may bring about a little accident or pain. I do battle everyday to get a ride inside a bus. So for safety reasons, I chose to have a boring shoe life. Practical reasons though are cramping my style. It has become difficult to find good shoemakers. The last time I tried, I had it remade 3 times.


Thus, the goal for this year. Nope, I haven’t totally succumbed to my desire to be normal again. Unfortunately, my feet have become uncooperative. They have become sensitive to discomforts that come from shoes. So I compromised. I am wearing sneakers to the office. That is why I hide my feet under my chair whenever the bosss comes to my office.

Lion Chaser Manifesto

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshiping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away.

Chase the lion.

In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson (www.evotional.com)