The creator and the creation

Let's just say, I feel the need to drop a few words here. The devotional readings are working miracles to my head, it seems with thoughtful quotes all year round. So yeah hi all. Sounds kind of lame for an opening credit lol. Anyway....

Did you know that the smith in silversmith comes from the old English word smite? Silversmiths are accomplished smiters. So is God. Once the worker is satisfied with the form of tool, he begins to planish and pumice it. Using smaller hammers and abrasive pads, he taps, he rubs and decorates. And no one stops him. No one yanks the hammer out of his hand and say "Go easy on that silver. You've pounded enough." No, the craftsman buffets the metal until he is finished with it.

It all boils down to the creation of mankind. How you and me are created. Isn't it amazing how we exist? And the way we are today is because He creates us exactly to his measurements, his standards. The moulder. The giver of life.

So what if we aren't taller?
Or thinner?
Or prettier?
Or more intelligent?
Or more this and that? Tell me sincerely, we aren't very satisfied people are we?

God never complains at his creation. He looks at us with love and says" You are mine, always." I can count the number of people who are willing to say that to me and surprisingly the numbers aren't many. So see, who loves you the most then?

Isn't it not Him who declares the pledge of love with so much vigour and clarity? I know it is hard to grasp sometimes but He has his own way of planning things, even when bringing a new life into the world, or taking life back for that matter. Life just can't be controlled, not at least by us.

The clock ticks on. The seasons come and change. We grow old. But there is one thing that remains. His Love for us. Endless. I don't think we can afford His love, not even in our lifetime. Yet, we are given His love, free.

What else can beat that?
Possession?
Unlimited wealth?
Please, refrain from being disillusioned by temporary earthly indulgences. We are never trully happy with that. Perhaps it makes no sense to you, but someday it will. Think. Think hard on what matters the most to you now.

Must forget the world to move on

This is a new month for me, believe it or not. I feel some changes heading my way. The more I try hard to maintain my composure or stay contented, there is always something in the way.

For one, there is envy. I have always fought with it with all my might. It keeps coming back though but this time I am blocking it for my own safety and peace of mind.

Two, there is comparison. I think it's not wise of me to try to win everyone's approval at the cost of risking my own happiness. So, yes, the root of my worries will always be comparisons. I won't let that rule me. Must move on. Have to stay invincible.

Can I opt to be a superwoman, God? Then I won't have to think so much about the opinions of others. I address the need to restructure my entire life. Why isn't it enough to have only You as my friend? Yet friendship can be so disappointing:(

Oh God, I am ashamed that I am not as contented to trust in You.
But because I love you and You love me too, we will pull through.
Let's do this God. Let's face all the storms and dangers the world has in store. I think I need You more than ever now God. I hope You'll stay.

Love,
your daughter.

The craftsman places an ingot of silver on an anvil and pounds it with a sledgehammer. Once the metal is flat enough for shaping, into the furnace it goes. The worker alternately heats and pounds the metal until it takes the shape of a tool he can use. Heating, pounding. Heating,pounding. Deadlines, traffic. Arguments, disrespect. Loud sirens, silent phones. Heating, pounding. Heating, pounding.

Stand tall

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come to you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced in the open and shows its true colours. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
-JAMES 1:2-4 THE MESSAGE

Not to say I am under great pressure now. Just that there are so many things to be done and so little time. It is hard not to get a little distressed every now and then. However, after the calming down of the senses, the level of distress fluctuates. The mind is although not at ease, more intact and able to discern properly.

Take it as a journey of discovery and you will be surprised at what awaits you in the end. As in true colours, well, what a revelation they can be. Life, we can never expect the norm..
I have been scorned at(mostly behind my back), been thrown out of a supposingly cordial friendship just because of outer judgements. There are reasons to why I react in a certain way. Guess if they only tried to dig deeper, they would understand and not just walk away.
The realities of life are not always harsh but then be prepared for more trials. One can be easily swept away by strong tides.

Again, I ask of this. Be brave. Be beautiful inside.

Life story

Not only has He read your story....He wrote it. His perspective is different, and his purpose is clear. God uses struggles to toughen our spiritual skin. - MAX LUCADO

Yes, we all have our stories, stored right in our hearts. We may choose to narrate them to people close to us, or maintain discretion. But whatever it is, God, He holds the key to the ending and probably a new beginning.

There is a saying, Give up the imitation, before you gain a genuine. God's work is always the strokes of a genius. I say, let us trust Him and let the day unfold like the clouds of dawn to dissolve into the stars of night.

Believe, dear all, even broken spirits will soar.
Let Him continue writing our stories. His pen does not easily dry.
Neither should we, give up,on all accounts.

Working for Jesus

This is a devotion taken from Daily Wisdom for Working Women by Michelle Medlock Adams and Gena Maselli. They emphasize on working for the heart of The One who matter, not for the heart of men.This applies very much not only for me but for all who agrees.

Perhaps we forgot the very idea that we work not for the person in front of us, but for the One who rules everything. We want to prove ourselves and we sacrifice everything only to be disappointed when it is not enough to please our immediate superiors. At times, we are underappreciated, other times, been turned a deaf ear on.

Don't get me wrong. I have a wonderful boss and a caring Operation Director. They are tolerant of me. There are many times I feel I have not done enough for them as well as for the company but I am striving to. Yet, I must bear in mind that when I work for the Almighty, I work in spirits and determination. I want to grow and in the process help my company to prosper too. It is just that I am doing it in a slow pace.

Everyone loves compliments. Don't you? Well, I know I do. Especially when it comes from someone who does not give that often. It makes my day actually. But sometimes compliments can distract you and make you lose your priorities. Compliments should not be the reason why we do our work well. Look a little deeper. Keep emotions in perspective and you can never go wrong. Remain faithful in all that you do and the vigour will keep you going.

In this secondary world, what we have is not something we can keep forever.

Have bad things really happened to you? You and God may have different definitions for the word bad. Parents and children do. Look up the word in a middle-schooler's dictionary, and you'll read definitions such as 'pimples on nose,' 'Friday nights all alone,' or 'pop quiz in geometry'
Pimples pass. And it won't be long before you'll treasure a quiet evening at home. Inconvenience? Yes. Misfortune? Sure.
But bad? Save that adjective for emergency rooms and cemeteries. What's bad to a child isn't always bad to a dad.
-MAX LUCADO

So in the events of 'bad' things that occured in the workplace, remember you are never alone.
You have always someone by your side to pull you through, if only you believe with all your heart.

Rescued

"For many are called, but few are chosen ,"stressed Fr Lawrence at mass this morning, which got me thinking, despite my anxiousness to rest like a lazybone on a Sunday, idling aimlessly online, with youtube or facebook,lol. Did I mention I am a Facebook addict? Anyway, I took a short walk after Father's blessing before reaching my car and did my reflection, at least something to ponder on before lunch with my two goddaughters and my two close friends. I was actually late for Mass for 5 minutes and stood outside looking in, until a voice called me. To my surprise it was my old good friend from Add Maths Tuition, Lisa. It had been way, way back since I last saw her. So, taking my seat next to her, which was coincidentally empty,we exchanged pleasantries. God certainly knew how to make connections.

Ah, back to my reflection. Pardon the slight detour.

In the end of days, we are bound to be judged on the things we have done in the world. As temporary dwellers, we must not take lightly the purpose we are here on earth. Time is outmostly precious, if only we know how to make the best of each second. It is an outcry to ignore life on the other side when we are too focused on the pleasures of this side.

For God comes like a thief in the night, whether we are prepared or not. And what if we are not ready? Can we answer the questions He poses?Are we going to be left standing dejected or be welcomed in with glory through the gates? That choice is predetermined now, if you are willing to make a stand in the world to do His will accordingly.

I do not want to end up in purgatory or hell. I also do not want the same fate to befall my family and friends. Or anyone else for that matter.

But somehow I know I in my imperfections, cannot deserve a place in heaven. I have not earn it,yet.
I need one last chance to get myself together. It is now or never. I never felt how compressed my journey is until today and the realization is enormous.
Perhaps that is why my intentions crash down like torrents, the walls collapsing to a point of no return.
I don't feel like the person I used to be.
I am less restless.
Less affected.
Not as bitter.
This change... I hope ... will be for the better.

Was in MPH too just now, and saw autobiographies of the three influential figures I had written earlier.

Pope John Paul II, an account of his life by his secretary Cardinal Stanislaw
Mother Teresa, her own story of her life and her plight as a servant to the servants
Mahatma Gandhi, his struggles and passive revolution to win over the hearts of many for the good of his nation.

My budget did not allow me to buy, sigh. But I am working on it. One must have motivation in order to fulfill dreams. What more to say of my urge to go to Vatican, when I looked frantically for travel guides of Rome. Sad to say the travel guides cost a bomb. I had to abandon my plan for now.However, I will take this obstacle as a challenge. We all may plan but only God decides eventually. We cannot stop the rain but we know we can always pray for sunny days. Let us not commit the ultimate sin if we love God a little less.

The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue them and honor them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation."
PSALMS 91:14-16