Glad reunion

The demons in my head seem less powerful as I ponder God's infinite love and forgiveness. Today was the first Sunday back to church after Dad's death. It was the first Sunday in church, for the last 6 years, without Dad. I sensed him dancing and clapping, hugging Mom, Johncito, Robert, his parents, and all his own siblings- worshipping his God  in fullness of His glory- face to face-- no more need for faith. No more pain. He finished his race praising God. At the very end he shared the visions he was seeing-- family and people, who according to him, " are everywhere, lots of people and all look very decent". I interpreted that as the "great cloud of witnesses". Well done, Dad! Thanks for showing me how to live and even how to die.  

Day 61

We are content with whatever lot we have in life yet we also need to strive to attain the goal that Christ has for us. Let's not give up. He does not give up on us.

Day 60

It is good to be busy. But busyness for "busyness" sake is futile. It accomplishes nothing. In the end- even though work is a blessing in that seems to diminish our grief- It is a means to bring Him glory.

Day 59

People need relationships. We need the contact of one another and yet we sometimes question their motives and doubt their intentions. We are funny creatures indeed!

Day 58

Discernment and wisdom to know when and to whom one should talk is a gift that comes from God. We can have it if we ask. Ask we must; discern we must;control we must our tongue.

Day 57

People will always talk about other people.
Such is the nature of people.
Be careful that when our words are repeated they do not bring back shame
to us or anyone else,


inspired by the turmoil of grief and the inability to be able to express it honestly-- everyone was grieving and everyone blamed someone-- and no one wanted to be contradicted--- so I spoke to God and now to you, my friends and children with whom I share these pages written so long ago, (and yet it seems so recent)... that maybe you too will know that He is our rock.

Day 56

Knowledge - the possession of it-- requires responsibility.
As one would not give to a child a loaded gun; so must we not carelessly give away our trust.

Day 55

Psalm 1

Nobody can be everybody's friend without compromising some loyalty and integrity.
Knowledge is power-- Beware of whom you give it to.

Time will reveal all things---


still troubled by all the "talk" about his death generated both from family and friends

Day 54

Praise Him in the morning.
Praise Him in the noontime.
Praise Him when the sun goes down.

Praise Him all the time.
He holds the key
that unlocks the prison of depression.!

Day 53

Listen and watch... Be slow to speak. Be slow to come to conclusions about others that can shape the way you treat them forever.

Day 52

Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

Celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries--- What are they but a reminder that God has allowed good things in our lives? He instituted the Feasts of Passover, First Fruits, and others to be celebrated regardless of our feelings. Maybe we should do the same with our other "man instituted celebrations" Let's give Him glory in those times too!



inspired by the deep pain of losing Johncito while facing an upcoming wedding anniversary

Day 51

Psalm 18:31: " 31 For who is God besides the LORD ? And who is the Rock except our God?"

Sometimes it is hard to know who is a friend. Who can we trust? In whom do we confide? Christ alone is our Rock, our strength. In Him alone should we trust.

Day 50

Proverbs 25:11:"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."

Words can soothe
Words can heal
Words can bring comfort
or bring us to tears

Like an artist shapes the clay, our own words also may be shaped
into beautiful tools to glorify His Name.

Day 49

2 Corinthians 4:8: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.."



When we cloud our thinking with garbage generated by our own emotions, we cease being effective; we begin a journey to distress and depression because of our distorted perceptions.

Day 48

Ephesians 6:4 "4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."


We all have an impact on each other-- sibling on siblings, children on parents, and parents on children. Though parents have an impact on their children, they must let let go their parents' mistakes as they grow up.
We are responsible only for own lives and must take charge of them without placing blame elsewhere.

Day 48

Psalm 24, Psalm 48

To admire nature is an instanteneous way of receiving God's blessing. When we concentrate on His goodness to us as He created this beautiful world, we worship Him in Spirit.

Day 47

Philipians 4:8: "8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Idle talk, time wasting, and rough talk are neither pleasing to the Lord or beneficial to us. We should concentrate on the good, the pleasant, the things of virtue for these things are not only pleasant, they promote in us mental and spiritual health.

Day 46

Psalm 43:5:
"Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God."

It is amazing how we, human beings, like to wallow in the sea of despondence and misery-- and even invite a few friends to swim in it!
Let's be careful of our thoughts and our words.Remember to praise Him, the One Who will pull us out of the "Sea" effectively. His Word is medicine to the soul.

Day 45

For You, Oh Lord, are a shield around me
You're my glory
You're the Lifter of my head

Day 44

Psalm 42

As the deer panteth for the water so my soul thirsteth after Thee.
You alone are my strength and shield to you alone does my spirit yield.

Why art thou cast down, oh my soul.... and why art thou disquieted within me?
Hope thou in God.
For I shall praise Him, Who is the Health of my countenance and my God.

(Answer to depression)

Day 43

Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

Sometime it would be easier to give up the friendship than to keep working at it. Like a garden that must be cultivated so does a friendship need much care.

Day 42

2 Cor 5:17

What a joy to know that our old selves are forgotten by Christ.
To have the freedom of being transparent is truly a bliss.

Day 41

A Safe Place

Seating by the river banks
Basking in the sun and watching the waters flow
was a favorite past time of mine.

Mine own and the whole world's problems I solved.
My heart aches and dreams I told the sun
and the waters as they flowed.
Today my safe place is in the loving arms
of Jesus Christ, My Lord.

Day 40

"1st Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly, but then face to face. Now I know in part but then I shall know as I am also known."

To listen to all men as if their workd is truth is an obligation which shows respect, but to challenge their thinking and expand their horizonwith questions that they must answer themselves is a deed of love.

To believe each person as if their words were truth can be a dangerous mistake. Jesus only can see clearly-- we are confused by our perceptions.

Day 39

Romans 5
Pains and sorrows can distort the perception of truth. Yet through them God can work His will in our lives- if we yield to Him at those times. There's an undescribable emotional vulnerability when we're going through tribulations which can make some open to hear God's Word. Let's look to Him at those times instead of hardening our hearts.

Day 38

Forgiveness is the free gift we receive from Christ. Forgiveness is what we must ask for to receive His Peace. We must ask not only of Him but of those that we have offended; even of ourselves must we ask. If Christ forgives us... then we must forgive ourselves.

Day 37

Goals that were so important once, seem trivial now in light of my pain. The heart aches and the days seem long. The mask I don everyday seems more and more fake. When will my heart stop aching? When will my days be bright again? When will joy replace the anguish and the pain? Who can we blame? Not you, for you were in pain. You left us and we miss you. It will never be the same.

Day 36

Psalm 106:47 "Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise."

Why do troubles come in multiples? Why do they come at all? Why does a soldier go to bootcamp? Can this earthly home be our training grounds for heaven? Whatever the reason, when they do come, let's look to Christ for answers -- that we may give Him glory.

Day 35

Philipians 4: 6-8 "...and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Oh that we could undo all the harm that blows to the heart have caused! If we could delete all the wrong doings that have been permanently imprinted in our minds and souls. We humans can't but God can. His blood covers even that. Look to him for healing, forgiveness and peace.

Day 34

Proverbs 25:11 "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."


A word well spoken can bring great healing.
A word cruelly uttered can do much harm.
Like poisonous vipers that bite unprovoked
can be the wounds produced by man.

Day 33

Jude 1:10 "Yet these men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals—these are the very things that destroy them" James 3:5
"Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark."

How can it be that we, humans, seen to destroy in one moment the very thing that has taken us years to build? ---Friendships, our own lives, and the lives of others---- all so very fragile in reality. The "strongest" building like the "strongest" man can somehow come down in no time at all. Let's be sentinels, ever watching over our actions and words.

Day 32

Ecclesiastes 3: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,......"

There is a time to speak and a time to listen; a time to help and a time to refrain from helping; a time to believe and a time to doubt; a time to hold and a time to let go.

Help me Lord to know when it's time for what.

Day 31

2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

2 Corinthians 5:8 "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
I Thess 4: "13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage each other with these words."

What is real? Whatever the Scriptures say is true. Some go through life being tossed to and fro because they have no roots. Jesus is the rock. His Word is our standard and the only absolute. Study it for direction in life. It will help us to make decisions and form opinions on every aspect of life.



Inspired by conversations with a co-worker who was also grieving-- the loss of her child-- and having "visions" of her child at night.

Day 30

Ephesians 6:10-17 :" 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Life can be an illusion- good or bad. What do I want mine to be? What does Christ want it to be? The reality can be scary if we dwell on it. There's a spiritual warfare going on all around us. We can't see it, but we can be aware of the one going on in us. Let's be prepared for it!

Day 29

Psalm 25:2 "in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me."

In Whom can I trust? Only in the Lord. My friends and family will let me down; my enemies will seek my ruin but the Lord spreads His wings over me and gives me peace.

" Oh my God, I trust in Thee. Let me not be ashamed, let not my enemies triumph over me."

Day 28

Genesis 1:4 "God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness." Romans 13:12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." 2 Corinthians 6:14 "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"

Light and darkness
Good and Evil
When and why do they mix?
Light overtakes darkness.
Good MUST overtake evil;
Especially the evil within us.


Lord, separate me from the darkness -- all darkness-- especially the darkness in my mind and heart.

Day 27

Proverbs 17:9,17 9 "He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. 17. A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

Secrets, Mistakes, and Trust
We all make mistakes. We all fall, succumb to temptations of some sort--- maybe they bring shame if repeated. We all need a friend that we can trust- One that will understand and keep our secret safely. Who can be that friend? Our family and a few who pass the test of "friend".

Day 26

John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

Love that transcends all times and all occasions..... Who can have such love for another?..... A mother?A brother? perhaps a sister? a father?

More precious is still the love of a friend, whether she also be mother, brother, sister, father, or just friend.

Day 25

Proverbs 17:16-18 :"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."Ecclesiastes 4:10: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Friendship is the most essential possession anyone can aspire to have. Ironically, to have it, one must first give it-- except in Christ's case for He loved us first and loves us still, even when we neglect Him.

Day 24

Psalm 62:7-9: "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah"

Trusting in Him is a phrase too commonly used. We show we trust in Him when we quit trying on our own. Relax.

Day 23

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:16-18 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:25-27

People need to accept their own realities. We would all be happier if we just did not try to cover who we really are or pretend we are somebody who we are not.
I am growing in Christ each day and learning to lean only on Him. Only He and His Holy Spirit can truly effect changes in me,

Day 22

1 Corinthians 7:3-5: "The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife."

Being a helpmate to our husbands means that we must first know our husband"s needs and then be willing to meet those as best as we can. Sometimes, it means getting out of our comfort zone and even doing something we do not agree with.

Day 21

Ephesians 5:20-22: "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

Ephesians 2:14
"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,"

Take care that you treat your family members-above all- with tenderness and respect. Create "positive memories". Resist the urge to "major on minors". Remembering our own troubles and reactions can help us to be sensitive and avoid inflicting the same troubles on others.

Day 20

1 Peter 5:5-6 "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."[a] 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time"
On change: Sometimes we resist it- at other times we welcome it. How we react depends probably on our degree of comfort with the person making the change --before the change. Doesn't God bring all change into our lives? He cannot teach us unless we are willing to accept change-- at least a change in our minds.

Day 19

I Peter 4:12-13:"12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed"

Though troubles and sufferings seem unbearable for the moment, someday we will be full of joy when God's glory is revealed and we realize that He did indeed have a good purpose for it all along.

Day 18

Mark 13:26-28 And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.


Beware of judging people by their appearance. Beware of comparing yourself with others. Even unbelievers deserve our friendship-- they may be some of the "elect".

Day 17

I Peter 5: 2-3: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

When one is in a position of "authority" over another-- whether at work or in ministry-- it is good to remember that a true leader is he who serves.

Day 16

Psalm 39:1-3 "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence."

Mark 3:28-30 "28I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. 29But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin. 30He said this because they were saying, "He has an evil spirit."



Being sensitive to others may at times require control of our tongues. How hard it is when we have been hurt to keep our feelings from taking over and saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Let us strive to control our tongues so that they are an instrument of healing and not a deadly weapon.

Inspired by discussions about sins committed by people which "prove" they are not Christians.

Day 15

Luke 10: 38-41 38 "As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
41"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Sometimes we go through life extremely busy. Our daily routine requires that we go here, there and everywhere and we end up forgetting what life is about. Forget the troubles of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow and live the moment. Enjoy every minute to the fullest.

Day 14

Philippians 2:3
....... "in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves".....

When you think your pain and sorrows are so big that you can't take it anymore, think of someone else's, and yours will disappear."

Day 13

I John 1:9 " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Transparency: the inner joy and peace of spirit which comes from having made all personal wrongs right with those we have offended.

Transparency: the inner joy and peace of spirit which comes from being open and honest with all at all times, realizing we are all humans who go through ups and downs in our lives. We are all important. We are worthy to Him, and that is enough. Take off the mask and be yourself.

Day 12

Hebrews 13:2 " Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unaware."

When the opportunity to help a friend or a stranger comes, don't delay. Listen to the inner voice that says: "Go." Do it now, for tomorrow may be too late.

Day 11

Job

Tragedies and sorrows are part of God's will for us. Does He just use them for good or does He pre-ordain such things?
How do "man's choice" and God's will interact?
Somehow they are both true: choice and predestination must be "flipsides of the same coin" Did God pre-ordain Juda's betrayal?.... Pharaoh's abuse of the Israelites?.... Joseph being thrown in the pit by his brothers?......Johncito's death?
If Job could not be touched without the Lord's consent that must be also true of any "calamity" that comes our way.

Day 10

Romans 9: 10-24
".....but Rebekah's children had one and the same father, our father Isaac. 11Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God's purpose in election might stand: 12not by works but by him who calls—she was told, "The older will serve the younger."[d] 13Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."[e]

14What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15For he says to Moses,
"I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."[f] 16It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. 17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."[g] 18Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

19One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" 20But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' "[h] 21Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?

22What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— 24even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?"



Time and chance do not exist for the Christian who believes God is working His perfect will in us and through us. God is not unjust. God is always right and righteous. Let us not try to understand but rather believe and submit lovingly to the One Who Is and always Will Be.

Day 9

Romans 8:28-3928And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[j] who[k] have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."[l] 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[m] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Death is a part of everyone's life. We must learn somehow to accept it as part of God's sovereign will for us. Grief is also part fo life. through it God teaches us dependance on Him only. This is not our home, Heaven is. We must strive to look "up" during our troubles, look Him in the face and say "thanks" in ALL things. His purpose is being worked in us.

Day 8

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. "

An approving smile and an encouraging word can "steer" a person in the right direction much more than disapproval and criticism any day. Praise given at the right time will bring out the best in most people. We should concentrate on the "whatevers": ....whatever is just, lovely, of good report, of virtue, and worth praising!

Day 7

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee." Isaiah 26:3a

Doubts, fears and insecurities will all vanish when we look into the Lord's wonderful face. Take your eyes off of yourself and your problems and look into the Master's soothing , loving eyes. Do something good for someone else and focus on Him instead.

Day 6

Psalm 118


Regulations, generalizations, and accusations can tear us up inside. We may feel insulted and diminished. We may feel insignificant or not good enough if we do not follow a particular regulation or if we fall into a category about which a particular category or accusation has been made. We must remember at all times that no believer is insignificant in God's eyes. If God made the regulations, pay attention; but if man.... then take it from whom it comes. May the Holy Spirit always be our guide and give us His peace and joy in the midst of any accusation

Day 5

I Thessalonians 5:18 "In all things give thanks for this is the will of God Christ Jesus for you."


Somedays seem more serene than others. Accept those with joy and gladness, recognizing that the only reason that we are truly able to enjoy those calm and uneventful days is because of the stormy and frustrating ones.

Day 4

Romans 2:1-11
"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4...but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11For God does not show favoritism."


When someone wrongs us we must remember that God is the final judge of all actions. All things will be revealed to us in his perfect timing. Let us not worry about the outcome of any situation. Our job is not to judge but to forgive and to love.
We can stop asking why and how, and be comforted with the hope and knowledge that His justice will always be served.


*Inspired by continuing questions and doubts surrounding Johncito's death

Day 3

"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold."
Proverbs 22:1-3

The Scriptures say that a good name is better than gold. .... we must do good just because it is right and not because we are preoccupied with our good name. We must live realizing that not all look at life the same way we do and so " the name" is not the same before everybody's eyes. In the end what matters is how we have lived our life, whether in peace, in joy, and in keeping with the teachings of our Master. Work not then for the good name, but to glorify Him, and enjoy Him; the end result remains with Him. He is our Rock and our Protector.

Inspired by rumors surrounding my brother's death.

Day 2

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" Proverbs 1:7

What makes a person aware of his neighbor's needs? How can one realize what another's soul craves? Why do some go through life concentrating only on themselves while others reach out and touch the very soul of others in deep meaningful ways?

Can it be taught? Can a person learn to look past his own needs, his own selfish desires and concentrate on the good of another? A hermit is incapable of doing this because he does not want contact with others, An egocentric person does want contact with another but only to build his own self esteem. A philanthropist..... does he do good for others to build his ego or out of a selfless desire to do good? And if he really desires to do good, how did he learn to be aware of the needs of others?

All have different gifts, Some are teachers, some are prophets, some are encouragers, some are doers, some are listeners. So as we find our gift, and practice it with all our might- - we serve. That's how we serve. Expand yourself but realize your limitations and do not be ashamed of them.

Inspired by a a young work companion who tried to ease my pain by spearheading a " gift giving campaign".

Day 1

Day 1: "The human soul needs love and friendship to subsist and thrive. Without these, it tends to loneliness, despair and sadness. Blessed are those who know the love of Christ and the warmth of a friend's embrace for truly, they are medicine to the soul."