Alithian wisdom now Ads-Free

If you ever notice, this blogspot used to have ads. I thought by so doing, I'll gain additional income.. and isn't that good?

But everytime I see those ads, I get the "is it ok?" feeling, and bugged with the question "what really is my motive in starting this blog?"

Isn't it that I just wanna share?
By sharing means giving, and giving isn't giving if something is expected in return.

I even tried clicking on some of the ads, and gee.. they're pointing me to sites that talk so differently from the message that i want to share!

From this day, this site is ads-free. I may create another blog (i plan to share what i learn about UML) where ads are welcome, but not this one.. Otherwise, i will be straying away from the very reason for its presence in the web, and i may even stray you away (and those who just accidentally pass by) from what i truly believe in. And that i wouldn't wanna do.

With this, I can give out what i so abundantly receive, and i don't wanna "mess" up this chance :)


God bless you!

And he remains in touch with God through his innocence and his joy, without losing sight of his mission. - P. Coelho, WOTL

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. - Philippians 2:3-4

NANAY

...amidst the thorns she sways her heart, him touching nothing but petals of fragrant roses...caption provided by Shalav. thanks Shalav!
Today is her birthday. I sometimes wonder how mothers can be so patient and so giving, thinking of their children's needs first before their own. I am really thankful for Nanay. While growing up, I saw the amount of sacrifice she had to make just to keep our family together and provide for each of us, the best way she knows how. She unselfishly gives so much of herself.

However way I describe her may not be enough to give justice to what she really is and has been to us.

My thanks to her and to the One who has given her to us.


A reflection of the Proverbs 31 woman she is. One like her is rare these days...may God make me one...

10 *Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

13 She finds wool and flax
and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant's ship,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
and plan the day's work for her servant girls.

16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is energetic and strong,
a hard worker.
18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
her lamp burns late into the night.

19 Her hands are busy spinning thread,
her fingers twisting fiber.
20 She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
21 She has no fear of winter for her household,
for everyone has warm* clothes.

22 She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23 Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24 She makes belted linen garments
and sashes to sell to the merchants.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.

28 Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
29 "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!"

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

6 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Practices in Business

The common perception among people in business is that if you operate with total integrity, the playing field is no longer level. Because the odds are stacked against you, you can’t successfully compete with those who bend the rules. So, the natural reaction is to live in two worlds: The “religious” world one day a week, and the “real” world six days a week. By so doing, we demonstrate our stubborn refusal to trust God in operating business. And we negate His ability to miraculously intervene on our behalf. For example, if we would allow Him, God would: - Impress customers to respond to our initiatives when it is appropriate. - Plant creative ideas for business in our minds. - Move in the hearts of good men to assist us in our endeavors. - Shield us from those who are bent on doing us harm, etc. Perhaps these six questions will help us determine in which world we are operating:

#1 Do I trust God to move in the hearts of people on behalf of my business? Or do I find myself manipulating circumstances and people to accomplish my ends? “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a water course wherever he pleases.” (Prov 21:1) (See Proverbs 16:9; 20:24; Isa 14:24; Dan 4:35)

#2 Am I profoundly influenced in my decisions by the fact that God knows my motives? Or do I rationalize the gray areas, assuming compromise doesn’t really matter all that much? “All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart.” (Prov. 21:2)

#3 Do I understand that God values my obedience over religious “sacrifice”? Or do I mask questionable business practices with a “Christian” façade? “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice” (Prov. 21:3) (See 1 Sam 15:22)

#4 Am I continually checking my heart against insidious pride? Or do I insure the fact that one way or another, I will get the credit? “ Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin!” (Prov 21:4) (See Prov 8:13; Isa 2:11, 17; Luke 18:14)

#5 Do I realize that there is no substitute for old fashioned hard work? Or do I let things slide here and there when no one is checking up on me? “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty” (Prov. 21:5) (See Prov. 10:4; 27:23-27)

#6 Do I truly believe that integrity lies at the very foundation of a healthy business? Or do I cut corners and shade the truth when it is to my advantage? “A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare” (Prov. 21:6) See Prov 13:11; 30:8; Jer 17:11)

as shared by Mr. Sta. Maria (Facts of the Matter). Thanks to you, for taking the time to come to the office each week and feed us with God's Word and its application to daily life

Love Song for a Savior

In open fields of wild flowers,
she breathes the air and flies away
She thanks her Jesus for the daisies and the roses
in no simple language
Someday she'll understand the meaning of it all
He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close a heartbeat or a song on her lips
Someday she'll trust Him and learn how to see Him
Someday He'll call her and she will come running
and fall in His arms and the tears will fall down and she'll pray,

"I want to fall in love with You"

...

So as she sits and thinks of words she can mention
to show her devotion.. she'll pray

"I want to fall in love with You"

Jars of Clay

long lost friend

finally we got to talk again .. he was at a low point in his life..some may say a leader should not show weakness to those he leads...part of me is in objection..he sent me a mail with these lines

They told me a great leader is born
And others said that the great is he whose circumstances have made
Still others questioned what is great and why we need a leader

Because he has to lead all the others he is solitary...
And that solitude, if focused shall be his dismay

But then there are inspirations from those who care
Which makes you do things that you have dreamed of

But then there are those who have a well of inspiration
And there are those who have friends like you
Whose support make many things dreamed come true

Whatever I was trying to write I could not....i guess I lost the art of
writing somewhere down the line....guess I need to rediscover it
again...


One may think he is a born-poet.. He sometimes doubts and denies, but I am definitely convinced he is.

Mr. Risal, I hope you will not feel bad that I published your letter :)

you just don't know how much i learn from you

and the words that continually flow through your thoughts

which undeniably, come out gracefully... ;)

Jim Elliot

About 2 years ago, I read on the life of Jim Elliot. This guy, out of the desire to bring the gospel to those who have never heard it, lost his life keeping his promise that he would not save himself by killing those he and his companions had sought out in Jesus' name. He died while his only child was still a toddler, away from his home, in the community of Aucans.

Whenever I experience difficulties, and when I get confused on what really matters in this life, I remember this guy, who remained focused on his calling, his mission, and the work he believes God intended for him to do.

Compared to what he went through, mine is nothing. So what right do I have to complain?

The things we presently have are just on loan to us, ours only to manage temporarily. When our physical bodies die, the material wealth dies with it. But the result of the life we lived - our character - we shall carry with us. So says one "the most important things in this world are not things, but relationships". Give and share as much as you can, of yourself and what you have, to every single soul, every chance you get. Take care of every relationship. The reward is priceless.

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.-
JIM ELLIOT

Goethe

not every one comes across the same hitting lines, piercing words,
awakening thoughts..- if i share those where i find some meaning
and make me tell myself "these are the words i need at the moment", perhaps
some body some where is needing the same, right this very moment..

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back--
Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation),
there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans:
that the moment one definitely commits oneself,
then Providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one
that would never otherwise have occurred.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents
and meetings
and material assistance,
which no man could have dreamed
would have come his way.

Whatever you can do,
or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.
Begin it now."

- Goethe

Thanks to my friend, Chips! She came across these lines before I did, and shared it with me..

DEBT-FREE LIFESTYLE

Stressed? Can't sleep at night? Having marital and financial problems? Missing out on God's blessings? The Bible, in Deuteronomy chapter 28, will tell you why. It says that there are blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. If you obey: you will be blessed (vv. 3-12a); you will lend to many, you will never need to borrow (v. 12b); you'll be the head, not the tail (v. 13). If you refuse: you will be cursed (vv. 16-68); they will lend money to you and not you to them (v. 44a); they'll be head, you'll be tail (v. 44b).

No one wants to be in debt, so why do we get into it? Because of easy credit, thanks but no thanks to the credit card! Enjoy now, pay later. Sounds good, doesn't it? But do you realize that 25% more spending is incurred as a result? We buy things we don't need with money we don't have to impress people we don't like. The charge-it epidemic encourages impulse buying and causes overspending. This plastic money gives us a false sense of (buying) power. The truth is, buying more means less freedom, for the borrower becomes enslaved to the lender (Proverbs 22:7), putting him at the mercy of the creditor. Worries escalate as bills pile up but income remains unchanged. Financial stress eventually strains marital and family relationships. Working overtime or earning on the side to augment resources leaves less time for God and family. Ultimately, you are robbed of peace and joy. Such are the ill effects of borrowing, that Romans 13:8 gives the following reinforcement: Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another. So how can we be relieved of a stressful, debt-ridden lifestyle?

The Ten Commandments for a Debt-free Lifestyle

1. A – Administrators. The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it (Psalm 24:1). Since God owns everything, we are only stewards, not owners, so we are to manage money properly and use it wisely. We must pray and ask God's will as to how money is to be spent.

2. B – Budget. Follow the simple rules in budgeting: Make a record of all your expenses. Have a shopping list. Don't buy anything not in the list. Have a budget and stick to it.

3. C – Cut credit cards. To cut the credit card is to cut the source of temptation to overspend, a practical application of Matthew 5:29-30: "And if your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to go into hell.” Getting rid of the credit card is better than it causing you to sin and destroy your testimony. Loans can muddle up your life that it turns into “lason,” the vernacular for “poison.”

4. D – Debt Pay-off ASAP. Cash basis is best. If availing credit facility is unavoidable, pay the full amount reflected on the statement of account. This practice will pay off in the end. Paying only the minimum amount required may seem light on the pocket, but heavier in the long run due to interests ranging from 3.25% to 6.50%, compounded monthly. Here are don'ts in borrowing: Don't borrow to buy anything that depreciates. Don't borrow except to buy a house (which appreciates in value). Don't borrow to pay debt. Don't borrow at high interest.

5. E – Envelopes of cash. Cash funds must be kept in envelopes distributed as follows: MONTHLY: Rent, food, utility, gasoline, school allowance, recreation and entertainment, etc. YEARLY: tuition, textbooks and school supplies, insurance, Christmas, holidays. CONTINGENCIES: Medical, emergencies. Refrain from juggling funds.

6. F – Family planning. More children means more mouths to feed, more bodies to clothe, more minds to educate. This could drain or put pressure on finances. 1 Timothy 5:8 says: But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. Plan a family of manageable size which you could ably support as well as amply give care and attention to. Why cause children to suffer? Many children out there are malnourished and out of school. And at the rate population is growing, in a few years, there will not be enough food to go around.

7. G – Grateful and not greedy. Contentment and generosity are the signs of gratefulness. Giving generously to God and others may be the way for others to be blessed.

8. H – Hard work, not easy money. Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and never succeed (Proverbs 12:24). Do not gamble. Beware of pyramid schemes. Do not lend at high interest. Aiming for the easy, quick bucks could spell more disaster.

9. I – Invest for the future; Invest in eternity. By simply spending less than what you earn, you can save for future needs, emergencies and retirement. But beyond this life, one can store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20). Live simply that others can simply live. Instead of spending on something that is not a real need, give it away to someone who has a dire need. Be a major stakeholder in church by giving much of your time, talent, energy and money to it.

10. 10-20-70. The suggested income allocation is 10% for tithes, 20% for savings and 70% for spending. This can of course be modified by spending less so that tithes and savings increase.

Yet a more important debt needs to be dealt with, first and foremost, if we are to enjoy the abundant life. The basics to a spiritually debt-free life are as follows:

A – ADMIT the debt of sin.
B – BELIEVE in Bible truths that
C – CHRIST is the Son of God who
D – DIED and rose again to give us
E – ETERNAL LIFE received by
F – FAITH alone because it is a
G – GIFT of God and
H – HEAVEN is ours if we're
I – IN Christ
J – JESUS.

“.....and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.....If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:32, 36).

While salvation is free, and God is faithful, there are blessings we will never taste unless we meet His conditions. Is it any wonder then that the Philippines is where it's at? The curses of disobedience have fallen on us. Much of our country's woes stem from sin that has led, among other things, to too much borrowing, with creditors running after our throats, and bleeding our national coffers dry. How can we rise up from the ash heap? Stop a life steeped in debt and start living the debt-free lifestyle in our personal capacity, while praying for the country to be free from national debts the debt of sin and debts resulting from loans. Let us not deprive ourselves the unequaled experience of freedom from debt, both financially and spiritually.

This was shared by one of the directors of our company. No single word is mine... just wanna share

what about this blog?

This blog is about the wisdom I continually receive from the One I pray to and believe in, the Bible, the books I read, the experiences I go through, friends, mentors, children, colleagues, street vendors, leaders, subordinates, church friends, and all sorts of people I get the chance to discuss with, be it on love, life, work, struggles, pain, heartache, laughter, gladness, joy, gratefulness, realization, inspiration, loneliness, dreams, changes, fights, stillness, courage.. and the list goes on and on and on...

I intend to write a book, at least before I die...just so I can pass the words, the learnings, and everything I have on my mind and the very recesses of my heart...that may be put into writing..

My greatest desire is to share with as many seekers as this may reach.. as much wisdom.. I once lacked...

If I die without any book on what goes through my mind, heart, and even soul... I hardly pray that this suffices...

may this bring glory to my Lord Jesus Christ, the true source of wisdom