When an item is missing

When you discover something is missing, what goes on in your mind?

Surely, it can't be some supernatural or magical event that caused it to suddenly disappear.

I have had a number of missing items the past couple of years and I believe I know the culprit.

We had a maid whom we thought we should trust.

But I think this one is a kleptomaniac.

Anything she can get her hands on.

From time to time, she will send something to her relatives.

We didn't even bother checking the contents of her bag every time she's sending something to her relatives.

Dear Lord, why are some people like that?

Should I ask for justice or should I plead to the Lord to forgive them for they do not know what they're doing?

Our God is sovereign.

Thy will be done.

Treating Depression

I must be depressed. Because I love to eat chocolates. Makes me feel better.

When I'm on a binge, I can eat all the chocolates in the world in one sitting.

No need to see a shrink. It's not even common here to see a psychiatrist when you're having the fits.

But how do I know if I have one?

I guess the gauge is on my eating habits.

Even if I'm not hungry, I have the appetite to eat.

The day I committed to fast, I suddenly had the urge to eat chocolates.

Or was it the devil's way to counter my planned fasting?

But maybe, I am depressed because I am saddened with what's happening with my life, at least, emotionally.

And so I resort to eating chocolates hoping it will cure me.

Next up, I will do the stationary bike to burn calories.

And then ultimately, I have to lift up my depression to God.

He is the answer. Not the chocolates.

Happy childhood

Having a happy childhood is the best legacy both parents can give to each of their children.

And for that I will forever be indebted to my parents for sticking it out together through the years.

I can't remember having a memorable past with friends, in school neither did I experience something
traumatic that haunts me to this day. Maybe, it was just ordinary.

Thank God, for my parents were my saving grace.

Hurting inside

When you're hurting inside, what goes on in your mind? Do you feel like your heart is swelling from crying inside?

Is it like your chest wants to explode and you want to shout?

I guess at one point in your life, all of us have to go through some pain or hurt. It can be emotional, financial, physical, psychological... but thing is, the change is and should still come within.

It's a cold decision out there. No one's going to help you except God.

So the next time you fall prey to it, don't make matters worse.

Cast your burdens upon Him because He cares for you.

He is your only hope in this world.

And all will be well when you come close to Him.

Small Groups

I like being a part of the small group.

This is an all-male singles group studying the Word of God, praying together, and sharing each other's life stories.

Age is not limited. Some are in the 20s, 30s, 40s and a few in the 50s.

This is more than group therapy or counseling.

This is being accountable to one another for the purpose of straightening your walk with God.

I'm so blessed to be a part of this small group.

What this country needs

So much is to be desired in this country.

Filipinos are not insurance conscious. A large market is still untapped and it's hard to penetrate this unbelieving market. Oftentimes, the no. of life insurance bought is among repeat buyers, that is, those who believe in it and have bought before are the same ones who adds up to the statistic.

But I'll get to the point now. I don't really mean to talk about insurance.

It's just one area that the majority in this country does not subscribe to insurance, be it life or non-life insurance.

What I feel that this country needs is spiritual awakening.

Corruption has breeded political families and dynasties. Indeed, power corrupts.

Now it has been passed on to the mainstream. It is not only in the government that you see these things. Corrupt practices have been a way of life even in private companies dealing with government agencies.

And yet, we wonder when will corruption end when we too, ourselves, can be called accomplice to this grand scheme of things.

The culture of corruption has been so entrenched in our way of life that it will take another generation to curb it.

But with God, nothing is impossible.

It should begin with ourselves. We need to declutter all our life's excess baggage.

We can start with the physical baggage followed by the mental aspect. When both aspects are clear, we look into our heart (emotional aspect) because the heart knows everything the brain processes.

When our heart is attuned with God, we can now walk by faith.

De cluttering

There are so many junk in the house. So many unnecessary knick knacks. But before I throw them away, I consider selling them at Ebay.

Fortunately, most of the time, they get sold.

There is beauty in de cluttering. You get to have a fresh start sort of. 

I guess I'm a minimalist.

But it's not only the junk that we have to de clutter in our homes. 

We also need to de clutter the "garbage" in our minds and heart.

And the best way to start is to confess our sins to God. I know I am getting spiritual again.

But you can't go wrong with God. So for this year, 2011, I strive to go back to him.

I feel like a prodigal son actually. 

But it's better late than never.

Start Early

Nothing beats going for the early ride. Because when you start early, you gain a head start.

Such is life.

Whether you wake up early and head for the office, invest early in life whether in real estate or stocks or mutual funds, when you view it as a long term goal, or even train for a sports competition, you would appreciate the results when it's time to reap what you have sown early.

For example, if you are always early in the office, your work ethic would reflect favorably in the eyes of the management. When you invest in stocks or equity-laced fund, you would appreciate the gains when you look back at how low the rates were back then when you started investing in that stock or share.

So start early. Perservere and be patient. For in the long haul, it will pay off. That's for sure.