and boom! a new challenge...
Tomorrow, I will be representing my classmates in a Teaching Recital. Oh my, what can I say? When I was asked if I want to do the demo teaching, first I was glad, then I was scared,then I was overwhelmed by my teacher's confidence in me, then I was once again scared. I am not a person who says no to a challenge, though, so here I am head on to my new test.
I am not sure if I am or I can be a good teacher. I am more of a presenter, a public speaker, a stage performer. It's more of a showcasing of my talents, skills or knowledge, but teaching requires more. It takes patience, listening, understanding. You could never anticipate your students' reactions or questions, you could only be as prepared as a person in a tropical place prepares for rain. If I had only known I would be in this place one day, I would have been nicer to my teachers. Now I know how unnerving it is to prepare for each day you stand in front of class, how hard it is to sum up the courage to face your students that you know are thirsty for wisdom. You end up asking, am I prepared to quench that thirst? Will my wisdom be enough? Have I done enough research?
My questions would be answered, I know, and that will be tomorrow. This will be my test of character, at least for my own peace of mind, if I am indeed cut out to be a teacher. And I am really hoping that I am because teachers are like beacons of light on a dark stormy night. They symbolize hope for the future, a warrior for change, and who wouldn't want to be one of them?
As long are there are teachers, there will be hope for a better day.
If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.Abdul Kalam
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/teacher.html#76b0UjO3qcOKxJQ7.99
I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.John Steinbeck
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/teacher.html#76b0UjO3qcOKxJQ7.99
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Love them like Jesus
(A reflection, written for TCP Class of Ms. Gail Montero)
We cannot be everything to someone but when we come to a point that we are blessed with a chance to be strong for somebody, we should love them like Jesus. Lead them to HIM. Be a testament of Jesus' love.
Every day, we feel the pressures of living our mortal lives. As we get up from bed, we are confronted by some harsh realities like having responsibilities, bills to pay and all sorts of problems. We find ourselves in the long cue for the train, we find ourselves trapped in traffic and some find themselves jobless or worst homeless. Aside from all this hurdles, there are still some people who just make our lives harder.
It may be the irritating man who cuts the line in front of you or the landlady asking for the rent. It may also be the staff who is just so hard headed or the boss who is always at your shoulders asking you to finish that report that's supposed to be his. There are just these kinds of people, and every one of us is blessed with at least one. And, yes, you read right, blessed.
Blessed because we are put in a situation where we can be a testament of our faith. We can choose to confront them, start a fight or throw a tantrum. We can also choose to expand our heart and understand them. They, too, might be carrying weights on their shoulders. Maybe their problems are heavier than ours. We can also choose to lend a hand, they may be needing a friend.
We must always remember Jesus and how He extended Himself to show us our Father's love that He consented to give up His own life for us. Let us remember that when we are put in a tight situation, God is narrowing our view so that we may see the blessings in front of our eyes. Blessings are sometimes dressed in a bad situation just like success is sometimes dressed as defeat. The fatigue, the frustration, the bad feelings are all but temporary. It will all come to pass. In these situations, we must be conscious to look for the mission. Look out for that person who annoys you, he maybe is the person that Jesus wants to touch and bless for the day and He is using you as an instrument.
So choose to love them like Jesus. Be a testament of His love. Keep on shining bright even if people keep raining on your parade.
We cannot be everything to someone but when we come to a point that we are blessed with a chance to be strong for somebody, we should love them like Jesus. Lead them to HIM. Be a testament of Jesus' love.
Every day, we feel the pressures of living our mortal lives. As we get up from bed, we are confronted by some harsh realities like having responsibilities, bills to pay and all sorts of problems. We find ourselves in the long cue for the train, we find ourselves trapped in traffic and some find themselves jobless or worst homeless. Aside from all this hurdles, there are still some people who just make our lives harder.
It may be the irritating man who cuts the line in front of you or the landlady asking for the rent. It may also be the staff who is just so hard headed or the boss who is always at your shoulders asking you to finish that report that's supposed to be his. There are just these kinds of people, and every one of us is blessed with at least one. And, yes, you read right, blessed.
Blessed because we are put in a situation where we can be a testament of our faith. We can choose to confront them, start a fight or throw a tantrum. We can also choose to expand our heart and understand them. They, too, might be carrying weights on their shoulders. Maybe their problems are heavier than ours. We can also choose to lend a hand, they may be needing a friend.
We must always remember Jesus and how He extended Himself to show us our Father's love that He consented to give up His own life for us. Let us remember that when we are put in a tight situation, God is narrowing our view so that we may see the blessings in front of our eyes. Blessings are sometimes dressed in a bad situation just like success is sometimes dressed as defeat. The fatigue, the frustration, the bad feelings are all but temporary. It will all come to pass. In these situations, we must be conscious to look for the mission. Look out for that person who annoys you, he maybe is the person that Jesus wants to touch and bless for the day and He is using you as an instrument.
So choose to love them like Jesus. Be a testament of His love. Keep on shining bright even if people keep raining on your parade.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Earn from being healthy
Be healthy in mind and body and make a good living out of it, too!
Watch the video and learn how to earn money by taking good care of your body.
For more information, just post a comment or email me at iamsweetgolez@gmail.com
Kisses!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Positivity: Like Attracts Like
It is a super rainy work week here in the Philippines. A lot of towns are deep in flood. Some of our office-mates cannot make it to work today because either roads in their place are impassable or their homes are still flooded.
Despite of all these problems, most Filipinos still have the strength to smile. Businesses resume and everyone capable, went out and got to work with much hopes in their hearts. I think this is the best trait of the Filipino people. We are positive thinking people and we keep that way through hell and high waters (this should be taken literally sometimes ).
Take for example the wedding at Sto. Domingo Church yesterday. This was featured at GMA News yesterday. How heart warming it is that despite the bad weather, the floods, strong winds and some disaster, love still prevailed.
It's so nice to hear this kind of positive stories. And you know what they say? Like attracts like. So if we think more positive thoughts, more positive things also comes to us.
So keep that positivity flowing. Smile and watch the world smile back at you!
Kisses!
Despite of all these problems, most Filipinos still have the strength to smile. Businesses resume and everyone capable, went out and got to work with much hopes in their hearts. I think this is the best trait of the Filipino people. We are positive thinking people and we keep that way through hell and high waters (this should be taken literally sometimes ).
Take for example the wedding at Sto. Domingo Church yesterday. This was featured at GMA News yesterday. How heart warming it is that despite the bad weather, the floods, strong winds and some disaster, love still prevailed.
It's so nice to hear this kind of positive stories. And you know what they say? Like attracts like. So if we think more positive thoughts, more positive things also comes to us.
So keep that positivity flowing. Smile and watch the world smile back at you!
Kisses!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Desiderata: A Source of Inspiration and Guidance
I just want to share with you all a very powerful poem.
I am sure you can also draw inspiration from this.
This poem was written by Max Ehrmann in 1927 but its message is crisp and very much needed for this generation. I think if everyone is guided by the simply philosophy in this poem, this world will be a very peaceful place.
So read on and I hope I was able to share some inspiration to you. Please let me know how you find this piece.
DESIDERATA
GO PLACIDLY AMID THE NOISE AND HASTE,
AND REMEMBER WHAT PEACE THERE MAY BE IN SILENCE.
AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, WITHOUT SURRENDER,
BE ON GOOD TERMS WITH ALL PERSONS.
SPEAK YOUR TRUTH QUIETLY AND CLEARLY, AND LISTEN TO OTHERS,
EVEN THE DULL AND IGNORANT; THEY TOO HAVE THEIR STORY.
AVOID LOUD AND AGGRESSIVE PERSONS; THEY ARE VEXATIONS TO THE SPIRIT.
IF YOU COMPARE YOURSELF WITH OTHERS, YOU MAY BECOME VAIN AND BITTER,
FOR ALWAYS THERE WILL BE GREATER AND LESSER PERSONS THAN YOURSELF.
ENJOY YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS AS WELL AS YOUR PLANS.
KEEP INTERESTED IN YOUR CAREER, HOWEVER HUMBLE;
IT IS A REAL POSSESSION IN THE CHANGING FORTUNES OF TIME.
EXERCISE CAUTION IN YOUR BUSINESS AFFAIRS; THE WORLD IS FULL OF TRICKERY.
BUT LET THIS NOT BLIND YOU TO WHAT VIRTUE THERE IS:
MANY PERSONS STRIVE FOR HIGH IDEALS, AND EVERYWHERE LIFE IS FULL OF HEROISM.
BE YOURSELF. ESPECIALLY DO NOT FEIGN AFFECTION.
NEITHER BE CYNICAL ABOUT LOVE,
FOR IN THE FACE OF ALL ARIDITY AND DISENCHANTMENT,
IT IS PERENNIAL AS THE GRASS.
TAKE KINDLY THE COUNSEL OF THE YEARS,
GRACEFULLY SURRENDERING THE THINGS OF YOUTH.
NURTURE STRENGTH OF SPIRIT TO SHIELD YOU IN SUDDEN MISFORTUNE.
BUT DO NOT DISTRESS YOURSELF WITH IMAGININGS.
MANY FEARS ARE BORN OF FATIGUE AND LONELINESS.
BEYOND A WHOLESOME DISCIPLINE, BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF.
YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE UNIVERSE, NO LESS THAN THE TREES AND THE STARS;
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HERE.
AND WHETHER OR NOT IT IS CLEAR TO YOU,
NO DOUBT THE UNIVERSE IS UNFOLDING AS IT SHOULD.
THEREFORE, BE AT PEACE WITH GOD, WHATEVER YOU CONCEIVE HIM TO BE,
AND WHATEVER YOUR LABORS AND ASPIRATIONS,
IN THE NOISY CONFUSION OF LIFE, KEEP PEACE WITH YOUR SOUL.
WITH ALL ITS SHAM, DRUDGERY AND BROKEN DREAMS,
IT IS STILL A BEAUTIFUL WORLD. BE CAREFUL. STRIVE TO BE HAPPY.
"DESIDERATA” COPYRIGHT © 1927, BY MAX EHRMANN.
I am sure you can also draw inspiration from this.
This poem was written by Max Ehrmann in 1927 but its message is crisp and very much needed for this generation. I think if everyone is guided by the simply philosophy in this poem, this world will be a very peaceful place.
So read on and I hope I was able to share some inspiration to you. Please let me know how you find this piece.
DESIDERATA
GO PLACIDLY AMID THE NOISE AND HASTE,
AND REMEMBER WHAT PEACE THERE MAY BE IN SILENCE.
AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, WITHOUT SURRENDER,
BE ON GOOD TERMS WITH ALL PERSONS.
SPEAK YOUR TRUTH QUIETLY AND CLEARLY, AND LISTEN TO OTHERS,
EVEN THE DULL AND IGNORANT; THEY TOO HAVE THEIR STORY.
AVOID LOUD AND AGGRESSIVE PERSONS; THEY ARE VEXATIONS TO THE SPIRIT.
IF YOU COMPARE YOURSELF WITH OTHERS, YOU MAY BECOME VAIN AND BITTER,
FOR ALWAYS THERE WILL BE GREATER AND LESSER PERSONS THAN YOURSELF.
ENJOY YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS AS WELL AS YOUR PLANS.
KEEP INTERESTED IN YOUR CAREER, HOWEVER HUMBLE;
IT IS A REAL POSSESSION IN THE CHANGING FORTUNES OF TIME.
EXERCISE CAUTION IN YOUR BUSINESS AFFAIRS; THE WORLD IS FULL OF TRICKERY.
BUT LET THIS NOT BLIND YOU TO WHAT VIRTUE THERE IS:
MANY PERSONS STRIVE FOR HIGH IDEALS, AND EVERYWHERE LIFE IS FULL OF HEROISM.
BE YOURSELF. ESPECIALLY DO NOT FEIGN AFFECTION.
NEITHER BE CYNICAL ABOUT LOVE,
FOR IN THE FACE OF ALL ARIDITY AND DISENCHANTMENT,
IT IS PERENNIAL AS THE GRASS.
TAKE KINDLY THE COUNSEL OF THE YEARS,
GRACEFULLY SURRENDERING THE THINGS OF YOUTH.
NURTURE STRENGTH OF SPIRIT TO SHIELD YOU IN SUDDEN MISFORTUNE.
BUT DO NOT DISTRESS YOURSELF WITH IMAGININGS.
MANY FEARS ARE BORN OF FATIGUE AND LONELINESS.
BEYOND A WHOLESOME DISCIPLINE, BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF.
YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE UNIVERSE, NO LESS THAN THE TREES AND THE STARS;
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HERE.
AND WHETHER OR NOT IT IS CLEAR TO YOU,
NO DOUBT THE UNIVERSE IS UNFOLDING AS IT SHOULD.
THEREFORE, BE AT PEACE WITH GOD, WHATEVER YOU CONCEIVE HIM TO BE,
AND WHATEVER YOUR LABORS AND ASPIRATIONS,
IN THE NOISY CONFUSION OF LIFE, KEEP PEACE WITH YOUR SOUL.
WITH ALL ITS SHAM, DRUDGERY AND BROKEN DREAMS,
IT IS STILL A BEAUTIFUL WORLD. BE CAREFUL. STRIVE TO BE HAPPY.
"DESIDERATA” COPYRIGHT © 1927, BY MAX EHRMANN.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Parable of the Pencil: A Reflection
There are only five rules to become a great pencil:
1. You can do great things if you allow yourself to be held in Someone’s hand
2. You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time
3. You have the ability to correct any mistakes you might make
4. The most important part of you will always be what’s inside
5. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write
I remember my favourite inspirational speaker Mr. Zig Ziglar say “You are born a winner”, and I think that this is one of the most basic truths. God created us to win, to be a witness of His greatness. But to be a winner, we also have to work hard. Keep focused on our Goal and know our mission in life. I love to share this with you, to learn more about Mr. Ziglar you can visit www.ziglar.com or download the Ziglar Inspire Podacast.
I think for us to realize our true greatness, we need to open ourselves to others who can guide us and teach us. These are the people that God gave us to help us reach in the true winner inside of us. These people are our parents, our teachers, mentors and coaches. They all teach us valuable lessons in life and equip us with the right mind-set and values to reach our goals. Even as grown-ups, we still have people around us that can greatly influence us towards success. These people are everywhere but we need humility to see and recognize them. Even the Desiderata says “listen to the old, they too have their stories” and we can learn from them. Like the pencil, we can only achieve our purpose if we let God and the people He sent to guide us, to handle us and to direct our path.
In life we often are left wondering what our real purpose is. Especially at times when problems are abounding, we feel helpless and hopeless, and we ask ourselves, “What is there in the world to live for?” We then become more disconnected with our Maker. We open ourselves to more temptation and for lack of a better term, we become less human.
When we are at this point in our lives, when we hit rock bottom and we have nowhere left to turn, we do either of these two things:
1. Give up
2. Give God a chance
It’s funny but that’s our reality. Especially, for most of us, “work in progress Christians” we think that God is a suitor that’s always there but was never our first option. So, when we are faced with our greatest failures, we turn to God and give Him a chance instead of us asking Him for another chance to be in His favour.
We can see this in a brighter light though, God gives us tests to strengthen us and for us to see our weaknesses and improve on them. Much like our examinations at school, we don’t get them just so the teacher can torture us; it is a form of sharpening. If we look at things in a positive perspective, everything changes. Even problems become adventures. It’s also a sign that we are still at God’s list, because if He doesn’t care, He wouldn’t even bother, right?
We oftentimes makes mistakes, and when we are raised in a family that punishes for every mistake that we do, we feel that we should be punish every time we fail or when we cannot conform to the norms. This, however, should not be the case. Jesus tells us to forgive our enemies and we should also learn to forgive ourselves, learn from the mistake, move on and be better. As with the pencil, we are equipped with an eraser to be able to start again.
Most importantly, it is what is inside of us that matters. As Zig Ziglar puts it, “it’s not where we start but where we end that is important.” As long as we keep our values and we know that we are morally straight, we can get up from any mistake or failure because what is inside is intact. And we can always get better and end up in the destiny that we are meant to have. We might be born poor or with a disability, but if we strive to hone our innate talents and skills we can still make despite all odds.
So let us remember, the pencil’s maker has a clear picture of what his creation would be and what great things he can accomplish. What more our Maker who made us in His own image? We are born to accomplish great things but we must humble ourselves, like the pencil, so we can be what we are born to be.
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