The Paradox of the Cross

          If I may ask you a question, " How would you perceive the image of the cross? Is it a sign of victory or a defeat? Is it a sign of hope or a sign of failure?" These are but some of the questions we can raise in our mind in relation to the example of our Lord Jesus Christ when He offered Himself to die on the cross. 

         Personally I would say that we should always be grateful to our Lord Jesus Christ for His preparedness to sacrifice His own life to merit our salvation. With this in mind and in heart, I unceasingly put my prayer that may our minds be enlightened by the power of the Holy Spirit, the source of truth so that any decision that we will make especially those which will affect others could be honest and sincere.

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If we can live by the principles of truth then we will be able to contribute to the peace and harmony in our society no matter where we are in. 

         Consequently the image of the cross is a paradox of what it meant to be for others. The cross where Jesus Christ died becomes a complete manifestation of His triumph over our wickedness and sinfulness. When humanity suffers insults and rejection because of the desire to follow Jesus Christ, the image of Mary comes out as a spiritual mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, who while witnessing the humiliation of her son, pleaded to God the Father for the forgiveness of His executioners and also for our own conversion. 

         As a result, the cross at this time becomes a symbol of good being triumphant over evil. May we then continue to imitate all these examples in our life in spite of all the odds out there, witnessing and believing in the concrete sacrificial act done by our Lord Jesus Christ this day. 

                                            

Get Rid of Negativity

          January 2019 has started and maybe it is good to look at how the first few days of this month and of this year has gone undetected.  Perhaps we already encountered several incidents in the workplace, or at home, or in the streets and others that brought worries to us. That when faced with a challenging situation, we resulted to negativity and such attitude also affecting our dealings with the other members of our household. 

Photo by Robert Katzki on Unsplash 

          Moreover, instead of leaving behind in our workplaces or office desks/ corners the worries of our responsibilities at work, we decided to bring them at home therefore, they also stressed out those people living with us. Confronted by them, we tend to panic right away and overthink about what will happen in the future without enjoying the now moment. There is a call for us to change this perspective and as a matter of fact, we need to constantly remember that what counts most for us is our immediate time with our loved ones especially with our spouses and kids.

         We need to spend time everyday to sit back and relax then  forget about those stresses and channel our energy to improving our relationship with our spouses and children for they are the very first priority (should be!) that we have in our life. They are the reasons why we positively wake up everyday to go to work or else perform other day's tasks. Let us learn to embrace all negative elements, situations, conditions, emotions as part of us and just allow them to have their own moments. Finally, let us be friendly with them and on the other hand, we endeavour also to make each moment a positive avenue of expressing love and affection to our loved ones as well as to others. 

                                         

Moving Forward to 2019

          Soon 2018 will be a part of our history and we welcome a new year 2019. For sure, 2018 has been a colourful year for all of us- yin and yang, white and black, light and dark etc- those are constantly the contrasting reality of all our events this year.

          However whatever may be our moments for this year, we should learn how to move on from those negative memories that we had and be grateful for the positive things that we experienced.

Photo by mckenzie toyne on Unsplash

          Moving forward could be challenging for some most notably if it involves a lot of pain but for us to grow physically, morally, psychologically and spiritually, we ought to embrace both positive and negative events.

          And as we start the new year tomorrow, may we spend this day with the special people in our life -wife,husband, kids- instead of spending this day with other people who are less relevant to us. In spite of the quick evolution of our life today brought along by today's technologies, there still present the basic and essential reality that our family comes first and our top priority among all other things. 

          Thus we welcome the new year 2019 with full enthusiasm and optimism that life will be better for us and for our loved ones. 

                                              

Drop It....Let It Go

          Each day in our life, we encounter moments wherein we are pained, down, disappointed and it is as if life is so meaningless anymore. Yet at the end of the day, we all need to remember that when we look into our eyes, we can always tell ourselves, " I LOVE YOU" then just by saying those magical words, may we remember that life indeed is so precious. By telling ourselves those affirmative words "I love this self" in front of the mirror, we are therefore affirming our own belief and acceptance of our own uniqueness. On numerous circumstances, we fail to appreciate our own giftedness and instead, envy those of others. 

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          Learn to move on in life. As I was listening to one motivational speaker today, I was reminded that life is such a beautiful gift that we ought to treasure and no matter what obstacles lie along the way, there is always a force that will allow us to let it go of all those negative elements.

          Learn to accept who we are...... we all need to embrace our very own identity and it is only by then that we can also be able to accept others. How could we share love if we don't feel being loved on the first place.

Hence let us  treasure those special people in our life for from them we experience how wonderful this life is. Let us learn to let go then drop those negative events as well as  their memories and instead, let us focus on our dreams. 

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Acceptance and Self Determination

          Everyday we heard of stories of love fading away for some reasons. And usually at the losing end is someone whose heart is bleeding with tremendous pain that at times, it results to the person losing her identity and the will to hang on to life. And this is true to life's various forms of relationship such as wife-husband, family (parent to kids), friends and so on. 

          Days become so difficult to cope with. Other forms of relationships are deeply affected by the sudden loss of enthusiasm to life. No amount of comfort can ease the pain of letting go and love again. And to think that real love is so painful once it is destroyed and gone.

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          However, the other side of the coin will tell us that when somebody has the will and determination to hang on to life then everything seems to become gradually easy and cool again. Aided by acceptance and self determination, the pain of losing love will turn into a new beginning. 

          Acceptance comes into the picture when such person realises that life has to go on regardless of any day's turn of events. Everything comes with a reason and sometimes, these reasons are incomprehensible. Acceptance means letting go of the pain and embraces life's new beginning. 

           The idea to self determination helps the person to stand up after each incident of falling down. Our life is oftentimes moulded by determination- we are determined to hold on to life even though we are pained by circumstances beyond our control.

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Our determination to become the person we ought to be will help us  shape our future positively. As they say, stand and deliver....... accept life's reality and hold on to your will to self determination.

                                           

Being an Example to Others

          Examples in life- that is exactly what we need at times so that we can have proper guidance on how to manage our lives. And when we grow up, that now is the challenge that befalls us- how to become, in our own way, examples to others especially to the younger generation before us.  As I reflected on this reality, I then realised that for us to be able to come up as one, we need to be more committed to life. 

         We all know that it is not always easy to be  a good example to others,  to always show to those around us that we care for them especially if our own personal needs come into the picture. Apart from this one, there are other considerations so that we could serve as noteworthy examples for others: fulfilment, conversation, honesty, commitment, admiration and other forms of support.

         Fulfilment comes to us when we are able to act and say those proper things for our children and for others. Others most notably the kids always look up on those adults around them for models.

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This is very critical in a sense that if they will see bad things in us, they would still follow them without thinking about their consequences. 

          Conversation also means being able to show charity with regard to one's time for our kids.  Can we count by our fingers those times where we set aside personal activities so as to play and to be present to them? Can we sacrifice our time allotted to our peers and other friends in order to spend moments with the kids? If our answer is not, then there is still time for us to re- align our priorities in life.  

          Finally, to serve as "mirrors" of positive things for our children means learning faithfully to sacrifice our time and our self-centred activities  and rather focus our significant time to them. If this is done, they would also tell this one day to themselves and to others that "Thanks Dad/Mom for setting yourself as a concrete example of what it is to be a good individual. " 

                                      

Commitment to Self- Development

          Being a gift from Somebody, each one of us has the responsibility to proceed to self-development and never to self-destruction. Life is such a complicated yet much more of that a wonderful gift. Every single day, you trek a tougher road ahead of you. And you never know what the future holds for you. Yet  when you look back and reflect on your past events, you can be very proud to say that indeed, you made some tough decisions in life and somehow, what counts most especially for you is that you made the right decisions.

          Life, for some people, is often associated with pain however, never stop there. Try to flip the coin and you will discover the other side of it- the other side of life. Always tell yourself, " I'm in charge of my whole life." and refrain from allowing anybody to dictate you what to do with it. It doesn't stop there for the next essential thing for you to do is to accept 

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the consequence of all your actions.

         At times, there is that temptation to put the blame on others when something is not right yet as a mature and a responsible individual, accept all the accolades as well as the pain (if failure comes in the way) of any decision. Similarly, speak to yourself and say that you are an exact reflection of all your hard work or the lack of it. Acknowledge all your giftedness and your weaknesses. Be committed to be a better person. 

          Always bear in mind, life is a constant change and whatever state you are in, be happy for it is in your true happiness that you can also experience the true meaning of success. Again, life is a precious gift and don't forget to share it with your loved ones and with others. 

                                                   

Being Relevant To Others Nowadays

            The issue of being relevant to others can be told through the various treatments we  accord to others. Indeed it's true that human relationships reside on different levels like cliche, skin deep or the more serious ones. when we hear about stories of people like when one is feeling so excited about a new brand  being launched is worth note taking.

           So many stories about human experiences which are entertaining and of interests to people. On the other hand, when we discuss on human interests, I understand that we normally are impacted by the effect of such stories to our very own life.

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We are directly or indirectly affected by certain people so that they already become a part of our journey in life. or not by those experiences 

          Way back 2001, I was studying in another country when I befriended a guy who lost his left arm due to an accident. Others would perhaps see and right away judge him as a desperate or a less fortunate individual yet if you know him personally, you would probably be inspired by his life story. 

          Ironically, it was the contrary for my friend. He raised his two kids just by himself alone- he does it by selling newspapers on the sideline of one of the busy streets of Chicago. He ignored at times the scorching heat of the son or even the pouring rain and what counted much for him is the future of his family. 

           I was moved by his example and this helped me to further treasure my life and if given the opportunity to reach out to others then I would not hesitate to do that. Thus count all your blessings and share them with others especially to the displaced members of our society.  

                                                  

God Will Make A Way

God Will Make A Way

(Don Moen)

God will make a way

where there seems to be no way

He works in ways we cannot see

He will make a way for me

He will be my guide

Hold me closely to His side

With love and strength

for each new day

He will make a way

          What a wonderful song (though this is not the complete song) from the ever known musician, Don Moen. And as I reflect on this day's event, the more that I am awed by the greatness of God's love that in spite of all this so called earthly limitations- things within and beyond my control- still God continuously guides me to life's right path. The more that I appreciate and treasure the presence of those people important in my life.

         Indeed it is very true that in those moments of darkness, when everything seems to lose its meaning, God's embrace engulfs us all.

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From the moment we wake up in the morning until the time we go to bed in the evening, multiple and at times, complex life's events come to our journey. Yet by our belief that God's love is ever present in our life, all of these become a part of our gradual unfolding to what is called life's reality. 

         Having God as our guide, He then serves as a lamp when everything in life turns into darkness. He becomes our source of strength that no matter how mixed up the road seems for us, it then becomes passable by His eternal guidance. He always showers us with bountiful blessings everyday like the gift of our family, good health, our source of security, our jobs, the beautiful society we live in and everything else. 

          Thus I believe it is but fitting for us to remember all of them and shout to Him our thanksgiving for His love is everlasting. 

                                          

Salt for the Ultimate Chef

What would be food without salt? Salt, what an amazing ingredient. Can you imagine your favourite adobo without any salt? Salt is even added to caramel to give it a rounded rich flavour, don't believe me? Get a salted caramel ice cream or tart they're the craze nowadays, I've had an amazing, can't get enough of it popcorn that was so sweet and salty. It was sold in this huge, plastic pillow case size bags and people where queueing up to buy not just one bag but two!

Salt, what an amazing ingredient indeed. 

Ever wondered what it meant to be salt? In Mt. 5:13 Jesus told us " You are salt of the earth but if salt loses its taste it cannot be made salty again. It is good for nothing. It must be thrown out of people to walk on." 

One of the functions of salt is that it helps preserve food. I know, I'm thinking of tuyo (salted pilchard or anchovies), dried squid and I know this writing is making me hungry. 

What salt does is that it prevents the growth of food spoiling bacteria or nasties that can harm us. You see those nasties need moisture to grow and what salt does is to absorb the moisture in the nasties. No moisture, dead nasties. 

So salt does not only have what it takes to preserve the good stuff, it also what it needs to go on the offensive against the nasties. 

It's like spiritual warfare, we need not only have the right stuff for depending but  also the weapons to go on the offensive against spiritual nasties.

In Ephesians 6:10-18, St. Paul wrote:

" Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from His mighty power.  Put on the armor of God so that you may able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. For our struggle is not with the flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the power, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Therefore, put on the armour of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and have done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all arrows of the evil one.  And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones."

We need those spiritual defences and weapons, to be the salt of the earth and only God can provide these. 

With these we can stand firm, preserving what is good, eliminating what nasties we have and helping others to do the same. 

The other function of salt is for seasoning, salt enhances the flavour of food. It is worthy to note that when salt is added to a dish, it dissolves and is transformed  and at the same time enhancing the flavours, enhancing what is good. 

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Exclusive image: ID 17261018 © Harun | Dreamstime.com

It is transformed in a way that you no longer see it but only know and taste it. In a way it has given itself up for the greater good. 

We are also called to do the same, in whatever dish of life we are called to serve and be a part of. We are called to die from ones self for the greater transforming enhancing the dish of life around us.

 Ever notices how someone describes a good dish? "It has hint of nuttiness and red wine, caramelized onion, the vegetables cooked to perfection not raw but still crispy, compliments to the chef.....ya di da di da....hey, what happned to salty?

Salt is rare the centre piece of any dish, yet it can make or break a dish. Not enough and the dish is bland, too much and it is ruined. 

Same with us and our service if we are lukewarm, we are ineffective and bland, too much or to full of ourselves and we leave a bad taste in someone's mouth. Our service should always seek to glorify the one and only Master (Chef), not us.

A well seasoned dish is when the ingredients are in harmony with one another, 

allowing the chef's intended expression to come through. 

So it should be with our life and service, we should allow the ultimate Master (Chef) to express Himself through us. Humble, obedient and ever sensitive to the Master's leading, less our will be done and not His.

Salt, who would have thought; Jesus of course.

May you always keep your saltiness, ever ready to serve the Ultimate Master (Chef).

Guest Writer: 

Ed Canilao

CFC Melbourne Head

                                      Thanks a lot Ed for the inspiration

                                                

Person-Centered Care

          As Australia is an ageing population and many of the old people did come here during the time of the World War, there is a big challenge for those persons who are tasked to accompany them to fully understand them and provide their appropriate needs and wants. Hence it is very important that those carers taking care of them know exactly how to provide a person-centered care to them.

                 

         What then is a person-centered care? It is satisfied when the carer focuses his care plan on the client himself and not on his disease. Let him understand that on the first place, he is a human being that needs full understanding of his age,stage, culture, preferences and everything about him. Furthermore, this is satisfied when the carer will try to know exactly who the client is, to entrust him a genuine value as a human being and to offer him empathy.

       The older people especially those who are in the stage of dementia need to be comforted and loved thus for any carer or person giving them company, he needs to talk to them in a very calm way and to give them reassurance that he is just there to listen to them. He should also learn how to touch the client appropriately then give him empathy by establishing an eye contact with them, and try to ask them how they are and listen attentively to them. 

 All of these would extend to the older people, the clients, that they are still special and important in spite of the stage that they have now. Therefore, being loved and comforted are but very basic needs that anybody have in their entire life. One should be generous enough to share them to others most notably to the older members of our society.

                                       
                                      

Taking Care To One's Gift of Life

Ongoing nowadays is my recent studies on the field of aged care. And as defined, 

" Aged care is the term for daily living and nursing care services provided to older Australians who either need some help at home or can no longer live independently. Services are generally divided into two categories:

Home care services
Residential care services

    " -source-  https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/aged-care/what-is-aged-care" 

          Australia is an ageing population and many of those who came here were witnesses of the previous wars. Thus many of them are on their 70s, 80s, or even 90s nowadays. And as such, there is an urgent need to take care of them not just on their individual homes but also on the various residential care centres all over Australia. 

          Further, we have discussed several topics already on our class. And one thing that is always mentioned repeatedly by our mentor is that life on itself is such a wonderful gift- a precious one that ought to be treasured. 

          Thus, before we indeed learn to take care of other people's lives, it is but important that we learn how to take care of our own lives. Nowadays you can find from the social media, TV news, hard print media that many abuses are happening and this results to people being hurt, being immobile and even dead. It is such a sad reality and this poses a serious challenge to each one of us----all the time we need to maintain that balance and harmony within our bodies. We should never make anything that can destroy our lives and that of others. 

                                           

Why Do People Wear Masks?

          Self-preservation: that's exactly the reason why people tend to wear masks. Constantly, it is man's natural tendency to protect oneself and prevent any harm to happen. Harm can come to anybody and it takes numerous forms such as physical, emotional, psychological, and others. 

          Since birth, one is already surrounded by people who protect him from any harm. And one is told since younger stage to adulthood to prevent from harming other people. However as part of growing up, no one could avoid being harmed or hurt by external and internal matters. As a result, people tend to wear mask to prevent from being harm.

         Try to ask oneself, "How many masks I wear in myself?, What kind of mask do I wear on this or that  occasion?",  and other questions.  When one is just with himself, he tends to be the most natural in him and devoid of  any reservation, he can show to himself his true self. However, as he goes with others like friends and buddies, then he also tends to present a different kind of personality.

         And when he is facing another group of people like the elders, he also shows a different kind of persona. One can count of several kinds of masks that he is wearing on various situations as well. One of the prominent reasons of this is that he tends to preserve his self by doing so. Another reason is that the person is scared and apprehensive that if he will show the true self, others would not accept him. 

          Being accepted by others is one of man's primary needs so it is then very essential for anybody to feel comfort and welcomed in the presence of other people. At the end of the day, what counts most is the reality that one allows himself to be an instrument for other people's growth. 

                                                    

Count Your Blessings

Guest Post: 

Blessings are most felt when they are less expected. 

          Two years ago before the graduation, I almost ended my life for I believed that I would no longer be one of the students who would finish with Latin Honours. I am not blaming my extra-curricular activities but I really spent more time in SSC. I even skipped classes before. I was so irresponsible. I also got discouraged during my first class demonstration. I kept asking myself why is this happening to me. This was really not me. On November 2014, I got the chance to go to Baguio and attended the PACSA National Convention and seminar workshop for student leaders. 

          I did not expect that there would be a poster-making contest. I was a bit hesitant but there was someone on my mind saying that I have to join because that would be my last competition as a student. I took a deep breath and decided to join. I passed the screening and was able to represent Central Visayas in the National Poster Making. 

          I asked God to guide me. I even begged Him to let me win the competition. I did not know if it was a coincidence because my mother put some of my art materials in my bag. I did not notice it until the day of the competition. I remember there was a girl who kept on telling me what were the right things to do. I ignored her. It may be applicable to her but would never be in my case. I continued and was able to finish earlier. 

          In the evening, one of the organisers approached me and asked me to explain my work. I just explained it with all my heart. I could not remember the whole detail but I told them that everyone can lead as long as they are ready to serve. To cut this story short, I had an early flight back to Cebu and sad to say I was not able to attend the closing program. However, while on my way home, Maam Vona texted me that I won as the Champion and she would just give me the prize to the adviser from CTU- Argao. God granted my wish. He answered my prayer. From that day, I have been inspired to do my best. 

          But life would always test you. The pressure was really on me especially that my family and friends were expecting me to graduate with flying colours. I was also expecting but I had the feeling that I would not as victorious as before. I cried for so many days and smiled when my mama would ask me about my status as a candidate for graduation. 

          I was too negative. I let myself suffer from these useless doubts. One day, Maam Deev Ohna asked me to come to her office. I was literally shaking and wanted to cry. I thought she would say sorry for I did not make it but she gave me a wide genuine smile instead. She congratulated me for I was one of the graduates with Latin honours. Then I started to cry. God was so good. God was really so good that He still gave me this. All those fears were gone and I was excited to share the news to my parents. Apart from it, I also received a special citation as an SSC president for 2 consecutive years and recognition for winning the National PACSA poster making contest. 

          It has been two years since then. But the memories are still fresh on my mind. To all people who are feeling the same thing. I would tell you to stop and start trusting God's plan for you. Believe in yourself and stop thinking negative. Smile and get ready to the unexpected blessings to come. 

Guest writer: Jake Bocado

                     (Jake is a nephew of mine who finished his studies with flying colours. He also received several recognitions before as signs of his achievements)

                                              

Parents' Significant Role in the Development of a Child

Guest Post:

          Parents play huge part in life of every child. They are responsible for his well-being, education and overall development.

          At the stage of the individual development, the education of the child takes place. The child lives in the family, he takes the example from his parents, as well as he is learning from their mistake. However, parents have to teach their child to do the right thing. They have to direct him to the right path in life. They should teach their child to acquire human qualities such as feelings of shame, love of people, mutual aid, and all the other essential, especially the sense of responsibility.

          It is worth mentioning that parents can be wrong in relation to their children. Together with efforts to inculcate good traits, they can unconsciously become an example of bad traits. Another important thing in the development of every child is education. Thus, the education of the child depends on his parents. In addition, education determines future of a child, as it lies in the formation of personality at the stage of development.

      Parents are the most important people in the life of the child that is why his development (mental and physical) strictly depends on them. It is very important for every parent to take care of his child, to provide him with communication, education and fun. All these factors strongly influence the character and the level of the development of any child. The main aim is for the child to be happy.

About the author:

Melisa Marzett is a professional writer, who  possesses a lot of knowledge in different fields of study. Each her article impresses with the variety of information and interesting fact. Check for her articles on smartessayrewriter.com                             




                                 

Be Present to the Here and Now Reality of Life

         Just like in any book, be constantly aware that life is made up of various chapters.  Sometimes, one chapter closes down while others may have just started. And I believe that life as it is, we must learn how to be present to the HERE and NOW moment. If not, then we might end losing plenty of those chapter's pages.

          Quoting Buddha, " The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, but to live in the present wisely and earnestly." What then is striking on this quote is its invitation for us to befriend our present moment and never to worry on what has been considered as the past.  We somehow divert all positive energies on the present moment. 

          Sadly, as reality tells us, many transactions in a day merely pass unnoticed.What usually happens is that we tend to say sorry for things in the past (we don't have control over them anymore) and on the other hand, we put enormous worry on things that are still to come.

         Hence, if we only learn to appreciate life's every  moment then the more that we will appreciate it. Citing one of those missed precious moment would be our meal times with family members, that instead of giving attention to our loved ones by listening to their stories and empathising with them, we stay silent while allowing our minds to wander somewhere else like worrying so much on the possible outcome of a project. 

         As a consequence, our loved ones will feel unloved and rejected (contrary to LOVE and ACCEPTANCE- two basic needs of man) and they will resort to something else that might not be productive or helpful to their growth. Finally, learn to be sensitive to the presence of others in your life and be aware of the NOW moment to feel that life indeed is such a precious gift.