Faith Just Another Sunday For An Ordinary Christian? 9:33 AM By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. -John 13:35 Today I woke up from a long blissful sleep thinking about the day ahead; prepare for The Feast, meet my friends, deliver the orders of my customers, decide where to eat. Ordinary things. Worry free day. Just another Sunday for an ordinary Christian. But is it? I suddenly remembered the Christians in Gaza. The horror that they have to live through just because they chose a different path. I can't help but admire their bravery and steadfast faith in the face of adversity. Even keeping their Christian duties---providing shelter and food to Muslims, who are also affected by the war. Will I be able to keep my faith if my life and those of my loved ones are also being threatened? I'll be the biggest hypocrite in the world if I'll say yes. In my weakness, I don't know the answer. I might for myself (or maybe not), but for the people I love, I might give up everything. And God? Why is He so silent in all that's happening. Why does He allow His children to suffer? The answer? I don't know. I don't know because I'm only human with limited knowledge. If I had infinite wisdom, then I'd be God. That's when faith comes in. When everywhere is pitch dark, it is finding that tiny flicker of light and holding on to it. But, is it really God who did all these? I don't believe so. When He gave us life, He gave us free will. It is up to us how to live the life He's given. He's provided us everything that we NEED. It is up to us how to use these things. You want to understand free will in a not so religious and serious way? Watch Bruce Almighty. Honestly, I learned so much about free will in that movie than in all the years I spent in Catholic schools. I digress. While all of us who proudly carry the name Christian are living comfortably and abundantly, we have brothers and sisters who are oppressed, losing loved ones, self worth, livelihood and dignity, threatened, getting sick, dying or watching a loved one die. It's so easy to be a Christian when things are going smoothly. Those who are putting their lives in danger for the sake of their faith are those who are to be applauded. We are so not worthy. If they will give up their faith, I will understand. And I believe God in all His omnipotence, mercy and love will understand, too. He is not sadistic nor is He judgmental. He wants nothing but the best for His children. I'm not an expert but with my relationship with Him, I know how merciful He is. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. (1 Corinthians 1:25) It's just another Sunday for us ordinary Christians in this side of the planet. But, let's not forget those who are fighting for their lives, fighting for their faith, and living out Christianity in all its essence. More importantly, let us pray for their persecutors, that their own gods will touch their hearts and remind them that being spiritual means respecting life and not playing gods. That if they are in the right path, people will see it and they will follow not because they're forced to, but because they want to experience it as well. My fellow Feaster and friend Faith Balmonte wrote about respecting religion on her blog so beautifully. I couldn't have expressed it better myself. Read about it here.
Stories It Can Never Be You And Me 9:32 AM i tried to think things through, a million times or so, why it can never ever be me and you i've always been aware of our differences, always known everyone are against, i never listened, I refused to see why it can never be you and me. i’m way too stubborn to listen to what they say saying, “i don’t care what tomorrow will bring as long as we're happy” but I have always known it can never be, and will never be you and me. i held on as long as i could i’ve given more than i should i didn’t mind then how the ending would go although I already knew it can never be me and you i’ll never regret that i’ve given my best i only wish i gave it to someone else, i guess it’s just plain to see it can never be you and me our time’s over, i’ve somehow anticipated this no final goodbye, not a hug nor a kiss. you always say you’re just a phase to me. i guess what you were really trying to say was it can never be you and me. you refused to end it rightyou’re not worthy, so I quit my fight. now I admit it, now I can truly say, it can and it will never be you and me. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Stories A Story In 25 Words: Sleep Talk 12:37 AM A Story In 25 Words Sleep Talk "Vanessa", he mumbled. She waited for it to stop as she does so every night. Wishing someday he’ll stop calling his ex in his sleep. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Life Lessons Unsubscribe From Other People's Drama 4:46 AM Unsubscribe from other people's drama. You don't need their drama to color your life if your life is already as lively and as full as it should be. Unsubscribe from other people's drama, because life is too precious to waste on irrelevant things. Unsubscribe from other people's drama, because your time is too valuable to spend on petty things and people. Unsubscribe from other people's drama, because it only distracts you from your goal. Stay focused. Unsubscribe from other people's drama, because it will only weigh you down. Don't let their unhappiness steal your joy. Unsubscribe from other people's drama. It's just not worth your while. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Dating 15 Signs You're Comfortable Being Single 2:14 AM It's good for a person to spend time alone. It gives them an opportunity to discover who they are and to figure out why they are always alone. -Amy Sedaris This post was originally written for and posted on Thought Catalog. 15 Signs You're Comfortable Being Single 1. You’re okay staying in on a beautiful weekend. You don't call random people to hang out on a sunny Saturday. You'd raYou’dcatch up on your reading or watch your favorite re-runs. 2. You are sincerely happy about your friends' milestones, engagements, weddings, and new babies. 3. You don't get uncomfortable when you go out with other couples. 4. You can dine out, watch a movie or travel alone. 5. When someone asks about your relationship status, you answer honestly without batting an eye because you don't think it's embarrassing or lame to be alone in a couple-filled world. 6. Your calendar is always full: vacations, breakfast/lunch/dinner with old friends, movie dates with your siblings or friends, seminars, and other essential activities outside work/school.7. When people think something's wrong with you because you’re single, you conclude that there’s wrong with them. 8. You don't know how it is to be dating or in a relationship anymore, and it doesn't bother you one bit.How many times do you need to send them messages? Which decisions do you need to consult with them about? (And why?). 9. You ignore the sweet nothings you receive in your inbox or phone because you don’t have time for someone you know is not severe or is not showing potential for a partner. 10. You are genuinely happy with where you are right now, even when things aren't going your way.11. Your plans may involve settling down, but you're not pressured to do it any time soon. 12. You hate asking someone's permission to buy something or go somewhere. So you come, and you go as you please. 13. You enjoy your own company, so you don’t feel like missing out on something. 14. Your heart goes out to those who are afraid to be alone and wish they’ll see the light and embrace singleness rather than be in an unhappy relationship only because they want to feel secure. 15. You’re not bitter about your failed relationships anymore. You are actually grateful that it ended. If it didn’t, you wouldn't be this happy right now.How comfortable - and happy - are you with your status?Hero image
Lux Thinking Aloud Dear Selfie Generation 2:51 AM Dear Selfie Generation, You're not the first to take photos of yourself with a hand-held camera. We did it with our enormous film cameras hoping that when it gets developed, our faces aren't cropped or our shots off center. We did it even before the term "selfie" was coined. We're that cool. Google images We took photos of ourselves smiling, making faces, doing crazy stuff in the most awkward situations and the oddest places, but we never put our lives or those of others around us in danger. We never went overboard. We may have been less creative due to the limited options we have had then but we never hurt ourselves. We will never hurt ourselves for photos. We're not that desperate for attention. We're not that shallow. We knew the difference between showing off and just having fun. We were more responsible, I daresay. My dear selfie generation, it's okay to be creative, but it's never okay to pretend to be someone you're not. Don't force it. It's okay to take pictures of yourself. I've got nothing against you showing the world how endowed you are. If you have it, flaunt it. But like everything else in life, moderation is the key. If you've taken too many pictures showing too much cleavage, don't cry or demand for respect when maniacs start sending you lascivious messages or comments. Take responsibility. There's nothing wrong with sharing your experience with your friends, but don't over share. Some of us really don't give a damn about what brand of clothes you wear unless you're promoting or selling them. Personally, I love it when you post pictures of the beautiful places you've visited or even the unusual and/or mouthwatering food you've tried. Expect me to comment or message you asking where to find those or how to get there. Flood my feed with more than that and I'll hide or unfollow you for sure. Just so you know. My dearest selfie generation, please don't ever get your validation or base your self-worth from the number of likes you get. You are worth more than that. Having a smartphone may be the "in" thing right now, but being smart never goes out of style. I hope you'll always remember that. Love, The Coolest Generation From Pre-Selfie Era Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud Monday Gratitude List 2 2:05 AM Another Monday. A brand new start for everyone. What better way to start this day than having a heart full of gratitude. So here's my... Monday Gratitude List 1. As I've mentioned in my last Monday Gratitude List, I started on a new social entrepreneurship (dream big, start small). Since then, the orders are just coming in. It's amazing! What I love about this business is that I don't just profit from it, I'm also promoting goodness. The company supports The Filipino farmers, uses purely organic and natural ingredients and supports charities including building villages for the poor. Also, I've been a loyal user of their products since they launched. So it's so easy for me to promote them. Talk about profit, pleasure and purpose rolled into one. Update: My online dealer shop Human Nature Lucky Shop is now open! So you can order from me wherever you are! 2. I met two good friends without planning to. It was a brief meeting, just a hi and goodbye kind of meeting. But it's knowing that despite the distance and the long time of not seeing each other, you're still friends that gives a certain feeling of belonging and comfort. 3. Another beautiful and enlightening talk at The Feast with their brand new series Haunted House Talk 2: Monster Kids. The big message of the talk: To hold on, you must let go. 4. I've just received my dividend from my insurance. Hurrah! 5. Receiving heart warming comments and emails from readers I don't know. Oh, such delight! What are you grateful for? See also: Monday Gratitude List 1 Monday Gratitude List 2 Monday Gratitude List 3 Monday Gratitude List 4 Monday Gratitude List 5 Happy Thanksgiving! Join the Grateful LinkUp. Get the InLinkz code here. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Life Lessons Don't Forget To Breathe 12:15 AM Men, for the sake of getting a living, forget to live. -Margaret Fuller Don't forget to breathe! Aren't we all dog-tired when the week has finally come to an end? We work to make a living. We work to put food on the table, get ourselves a decent place to live in, feel normal, and belong. But what keeps you going when the going gets tough? When your stress level gets too high, and the people around you become unbearable, why can't you quit? It's easy to give up when you have no reason to hold on. It's easy to walk away when there's no reason to stay. But if you have a goal and a big "why", you give yourself time to breathe. You know you have to. Being too busy makes you forget what's important. You need to focus on your reasons. Breathe to remember them. Maybe you're a traveler and you still have 10, 20 or more places to tick off your list. Maybe you're the breadwinner and can't quit because too many mouths depend on you. Maybe you want to set up your own business, and you're going to need that start-up amount. Maybe a member of the family is sick, and you help support their treatment. Maybe you want to return to school, and asking your folks to pay for your tuition feels inappropriate. Or maybe you know you're blessing people with what you do, and you've found your purpose. Lucky you. Whatever your reason is, don't forget to breathe. Breathe because you deserve to enjoy life. Breathe because your hard work will all go in vain if you're too sick to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Breathe because not everyone's blessed enough to be where you are. Breathe because work is not the be-all and end-all of life.When things go crazy, and you're too exhausted to go on, don't forget to breathe.
Single Life If You're Scared To Be Alone 4:00 AM If You're Scared To Be Alone If you're scared to be alone, you have every reason and every right to be. If you're scared to be alone, take time to listen to me; If you're scared to be alone, you're right, it's never easy. But, to be alone also means to set yourself free. If you're scared to be alone, I know what you're going through. I've been there myself, I was just as scared as you. But, I've learned to conquer it and I know that someday you will, too. If you're scared to be alone, just remember who you are. Remember why you're here and what has brought you this far. It's because you chose the road less traveled. It's because you've learned. It's because you now know your worth and now it's your turn. It's your turn to love yourself more than anyone or anything. It's your turn to give up, to stop enduring, to stop waiting. It's your time to enjoy, to really live and not just exist. It's your time to thrive---no one can argue or resist. If you're scared to be alone, let me assure you that you're almost there. You're on the right track, just hold on 'cause life can take you anywhere. If you're scared to be alone, hold my hand and we'll walk this unfamiliar and scary path together. It may be rocky, it may be winding, but this journey won't last forever. If you're scared to be alone, don't look around you, but look above. You'll never feel empty if you know you have a Father who fills you up with love. See also: Hello, Loneliness!
Listicle Monday Gratitude List 10:45 AM Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance. -Eckhart Tolle Monday Gratitude List Normally, people are grumpy on a Monday. It's the start of another pandemonium; Manic Monday. As for me, I choose to start my week with a grateful heart. Gratitude changes your outlook. Gratitude makes you appreciate even what others consider as insignificant things. Gratitude opens your eyes to blessings and makes you anticipate for greater things. Gratitude makes everything seems possible. Here's my Monday gratitude list: 1. I just ventured into a new microbusiness last week. Already, orders are pouring in! My cup overflows! Update: My online dealer shop Human Nature Lucky Shop is now open! So you can order from me wherever you are! 2. If I can only be in two places at once. My weekends are always full of invites for meet ups, reunions and trips. A beautiful dilemma. 3. Having the privilege to attend the happiest gathering of the faithful. Every Sunday, I go to The Feast to celebrate the Holy Mass and listen to life-changing, motivational, inspirational and hilarious talks on life, health, relationships and money. Practical teachings for practical individuals who want to live a phenomenal life. By the way, everybody's welcome to attend. 4. Every time I check my blogger dashboard, I'm grateful to see the number of page views from different traffic sources. I started blogging for my own pleasure, as a coping mechanism, and as a portfolio for my virtual assistant part-time job. Then I started sharing about my own failures, my mishaps and the lessons I've learned. The emails I received from strangers from across the globe are just overwhelming. Sure, there are people who criticize my work from my grammar to my opinions, but they're nothing compared to the "thank you" messages I get. Believe it or not, I also get emails asking for my advice! I don't think I'm qualified enough to do so as I know I have so much to learn myself. But, if sharing my two cents worth can make a difference to other people's lives, I'll do it anytime! 5. God's plans for my life that are yet to be revealed. People are losing hope and faith everyday. I'm just increasing mine every time. God has always been faithful to me even when I was not. I've ran away and fell a thousand times, but He has never stopped chasing me and picking me up. How can I say no to a love so great and faithful and true? What's on your gratitude list? Join the Grateful LinkUp. Get the InLinkz code here. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
